Turned on the A/C and it smells like sour milk??

[lairdsTDI]

2002 golf TDI. When I fire up the AC it smells like sour milk for about 2-3 minutes then it goes away??? Any suggestions.

[lord_verminaard]

Semi-common problem on the A4's.  Sometimes leaves or other biological material can get down in the fresh air inlet area.  When I worked at the dealership they had a system that involved blasting a high-pressure disinfecting solution down the inlet while cycling the air and heater controls.   They usually put in a new cabin air filter as well.  I'm sure pretty much any (not just VW) have a similar system that they can do.  If you want to do it yourself, you can probably remove the cabin air filter and see if there is any junk down in there and after cleaning it well, some lysol might take the smell out.

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

[lairdsTDI]

Thanks. I'll give it a shot this week and see what happens.

[shwartzbewithyou]

To be honest it seems to be moisture related in the system.  If you run the A/C alot over the next few weeks the dry air should dry out the system and take the smell away.  Even if it's not hot outside, just runit with the windows open to dry out the system.

[MacGyver]

If you frequently run your AC right up till you stop the car, the moisture left on the evaporator can promote mould & mildew growth while the car is parked.
Then you'll get the smells from it when you turn the AC back on again next time.
I've seen 'Diesel Dazzler' (member here) treat the system/evaporator with Febreeze, apparently helps.
I always turn AC off a few minutes before I get anywhere, never had this smelly problem in any VW or other vehicle.
My fiancee's van on the other hand... :shock:

[hoyt]

You should also check and make sure that the evaporator drain is
not plugged.

[shwartzbewithyou]

You should also check and make sure that the evaporator drain is
not plugged.

That would do it.