Terrible smell - RESOLVED
 

Happy New year guys and safe motoring in 2019!

Just wondering if someone can shed some light on a recent problem with my 2009 XK. Lately when I turn on the fan I get the worst smell from the air vents kind of like BO to me. When I turn the AC on it goes away.

I pulled out the cabin filter and it looks brand new as I was told it was replaced when I bought the car 6 months ago.

There are some DIY posts that recommend a spray with the blower on full? Any ideas to help would be much appreciated.

It could be bacterial build-up on the core if you don't run AC permanently. An aerosol "bomb" will clean this. Alternatively, it could be blocked AC drains and the smell is coming from condensate.

I run my AC permanently and also cycle it through maximum hot to maximum cold once a month to ensure the air distribution flaps don't stick from lack of use.

Graham

Thank you so much for that Graham! I had a look under the car and had plenty of dripping with the AC going so it seems the line for condensation is not blocked thank goodness. I'll give it a bombing tomorrow and see if that helps. All the best for the new year and very nice XK you have there by the way.

Though not XK specific, here is a video. I removed the cabin filter and sprayed into the box.
https://diy-auto-repair.wonderhowto....system-401378/

It could be just a UK thing because of our climate but I've always been surprised at the quantity of dead leaves that collect in the bottom of the cabin filter housing on both my last and current XK.

Incidentally, for anyone who doesn't like the price of the OE Jaguar C2P2410 cabin filter, it's manufactured by Corteco (Part No CC1290) and can be found for much less than half the cost.

Graham

That's great advice! I wasn't too keen to spray from the bonnet vents! Thanks a lot for replying.

Oh more great advice! We are really at a disadvantage in NZ with the *********** our only option for parts unless we order overseas. Sometimes the postage is as much as the item ordered though. UK parts seems the best value as far as I can see. Thanks Graham.

Same here in every car. AC is on all the time.

Clean and wipe your air filter box.

Use the system more often.

Thank you! Great advice.

Hi there. Yup done that and also used a can of spray that is supposed to kill any mould growing in the system. Seems to have done the trick thank goodness. Thanks for your reply.