Stinky interior....an experiment

xallenx · Post by **xallenx** » 25 Jun 2011, 19:35

So, we have been noticing a foul smell coming from inside the xc 90 after a rainy day or after washing the car. So, I went and did a little experiment this morning and washed the car without wetting the sunroof to see if the smell would still be there. Waited a couple of minutes and opened the car door...the foul smell was still there. So, my question is, where else could water be leaking into the car creating the foul smell except for the sunroof and roof area? I eliminated that part since I kept it dry but still gets the foul smell. It really is very stinky!

Volvos rock3 · Post by **Volvos rock3** » 26 Jun 2011, 06:53

Try to run some bleach through the sunroof drains and spray some bleach water through the heat/ac inlet vents (in the cowl area at the bottom of the widshield) with it on. Just be careful with it and hose off any that gets on the paint. Use it sparingly.

volvodoc · Post by **volvodoc** » 27 Jun 2011, 12:31

replace your cabin filter and return to your dealer to have the afterblow funtion turned on this will run the cabin blower aprox twenty min after car is shut down and will dry off the evap to prevent mold build up also pull the wipers and cowell and ck for plugged drains as well as the cover for the cem on drivers side

007 · Post by **007** » 23 Sep 2012, 23:29

Hi, I just came back home, and noticed the passenger rubber floor mat was wet. I dried it with a towel, then I took it out the car and all the upholstery of that section is wet as a sponge!. Today was a rainy day and I passed through some small water puddles...

If you know where can I check to find the place where the leak is I will appreciate if you can tell me...

Thanks.

ChaddGostas · Post by **ChaddGostas** » 24 Sep 2012, 00:37

ok, if it is the same setup as an 850, your water is leaking through the hole that your cabin air filter sets up on. Try taking off the cover under the hood, maybe have to remove the wiper arms. then take it off. on the left side, <mine is> there is a hole that the air comes into, and it was leaking down that hole and through the blower motor fan, down the trim panel under the dash and on the carpet. <stunk badly> I ended up taking some body caulk from a parts store and running it along the plastic trim that attaches to the window and another piece that attached to the cover for the air intake. I re-adjusted the foam rubber trim pieces around the two and it almost eliminated the problem.
Check it with the recirculate air button on. there is a trap door that closes and won't allow water to run so quickly into it or at all. pour a bucket of water down the windshield on the passenger side, a gallon or so, and see if it is running down the right side near where your right foot would sit if you were stretched out in front.