MVoorhees

So I have noticed the past few days when I start the car, I notice that there is a major musty smell that comes as soon as the ac kicks on and then it clears pretty quick. It is a bit odd? Any thoughts?

I have a 2019 a8 with 36k miles on it. It is fully cpo with the platinum extension. So worst case scenario I would let them sort it out. Any thoughts??

Thanks!

Marc

OberklasseA8

Have you changed the cabin filter? I change every 20-25K miles. Assuming these cars have cabin filters.

A8bil

They do have cabin filters. Up behind the glove box in footwell. Takes a bit of contortion to get up there, but it is doable.

angrypengu

Yup, takes all of like 15 seconds to change out.

MVoorhees

Quick update. Finally got around to filter change. It reduced the odor 85% or so. Good enough for me for now. Nay thought about what be else it might be? Drain line somewhere?

You guys rock with the awesomr advice.


Replacing the filter was a snap by the way

DallasDave

I'm faced with the same scenario, smelly/musky odor from AC when the car sits for a couple hours (or more). It is definitely noticeable, but goes away in a few seconds. I need to find a resolution, as it's not something I can tolerate during our hot Texas summers. I installed a new cabin air filter about two weeks ago and I didn't notice a difference. In fairness, I probably used a mid-grade air filter not the Audi branded unit. Any suggestions? I'm tempted to remove the cabin air filter and spray Lysol into the cavity while the system is running.

pcc125

Lysol would definitely sanitize it there lol...I mean it could not hurt for sure. Let us know what happens.

KevinGary

Spray Lysol into the air intakes for the ventilation system. It cleared it up for me.

DallasDave

So far, so good. Last night I sprayed Lysol liberally into the cabin air filter opening (while the car was running and the AC was set to MAX), I took it for a quick test drive. As imagined, all you could smell was the Lysol. Fast forward fourteen hours later, I left in the Audi for a lunch appointment. No smell, but it might have been too soon and/or not a good test (it's cooler in the garage, etc.). The lunch appointment was only around 90-minutes but there was no unpleasant smell when starting the car after being in the hot sun. Fingers crossed this will be a long term solution. If the smell persists, I will certainly try another "Lysol application" prior to doing anything else.

subterFUSE

I worked in a restaurant while in college, and this was during the 1990s when smoking was still allowed. I would smell like cigarettes horribly every night. The smell would stick to my car and bake in the sun, it was awful.

I found that an ozone spray was most effective at neutralizing the smoke odors.