Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Refrrigerant R134a Servicing

Odor from Evaporator or Heat Exchanger?

In this manual: Refrrigerant R134a Servicing
General Paint Information — 128Towing Guide — 10Whels, Tires, Whel Alignment — 126Battery, Starter, Generator, Cruise Control — 65Windshield Wiper/ Washer System — 9Exterior Lights, Switches — 1Interior Lights, Switches — 7Wiring — 51Refrrigerant R134a Servicing — 134
~1min read

Fishy smell
  • From leak at cooling system of engine or of A/C system heater core.
Note If the fishy smell gets weaker when the temperature is set to “cold” and stronger when it is set to “warm”, then check the heat exchanger for leaks.

Smells like a burned clutch.

Evaporation from floor mats, decorative seat covers, etc.

Musty smell

  • Due to various contaminants, such as leaves, pine needles, etc. collecting.
Note

Clean the plenum chamber.

  • Due to water that cannot drain out of the plenum chamber.
Note

Check that the plenum chamber water is draining.

Odor from the Heater and A/C Unit

Note Odors originating in the heating and A/C unit can mainly be detected in fresh air mode and recirculated air mode.
  • Due to too much condensation water in A/C unit.
Note Check the condensation water drain. Refer to → Rep. Gr.87 in the vehicle-specific Repair Manual.
  • Due to an old or heavily contaminated dust and pollen filter.
Note Check the dust and pollen filter. Refer to → Rep. Gr.80 in the vehicle-specific Repair Manual.
  • Due to deposits on evaporator fins.
Note Clean the evaporator using the Ultrasound A/C Cleaner -VAS6189A-. Refer to → Chapter „Ultrasound A/C Cleaner -VAS6189B-“ or the Suction Feed Spray Gun -VAG1538- and a suitable spray nozzle. Refer to → Chapter „Evaporator, Cleaning with Suction Feed Spray Gun -VAG1538- and Spray Nozzle“.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Polo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.