Hi,
recently I’m getting a vinegary type smell from the air vents straight after turning the AC off. Doesn’t happen when AC on. I’ve watched a few videos where they suggested to spray anti bacterial solution through the outside air intake into the cabin. I couldn’t find that on my model XF X250 2014. So, I took out the air filter and sprayed inside.
many thoughts or recommendations please?
thanks 🙏

 

I've sprayed Lysol to the outside vent into the car and removed a bacteria smell haven't had to do it again in 2 years in Florida heat

 

Is the a/c still cooling? Is there any residue on the inside of the windscreen? I had an odd odour when the evaporator sprung a leak on my car, not sure I would have described it as vinegary though. Obviously the a/c stopped cooling and the final clue was the film of strange residue on the inside of the windscreen. Hope this is not your issue, it was about a week of work to replace.

 

Have you changed the cabin filter?
What did it look like?
I find it works much better to remove the cabin filter then spray the disinfectant spray directly into where the cabin filter goes. Then I start the car turn the fans on high and give it a couple more sprays. Then shut everything off reinstall the cabin filter.

I have had to do this multiple times depending on the car.
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where is the outside vent located?

 

AC working really good. However, when I turn it off, there is little foggy patch on the windscreen. Funny enough that’s when the smell happens and not when ac is on.

 

I did exactly what you’ve described. Took filter out, sprayed Detol antibacterial spray (we don’t have Lysol in the UK). Feels like smell is slightly better 🤞
thanks

 

Yes sometimes it seems impossible to get rid of the stale smell. I swear it comes down to the car as some are way more prone to smelling than others.
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