[2013 XC60] Vinegar smell from vents

2013volvoxc60 · Post by **2013volvoxc60** » 30 Mar 2020, 22:59

Having trouble getting rid of the smell. Bought some spray from O'Reilly that was to help eliminate mold and what not but that didn't work. Sprayed some lysol alternative into the intake area mesh looking cutout right over the front struts. Went into the system. Could smell it when I got in but that didnt work either.

Not sure what else to do. I havent changed the cabin air filter but I doubt that'll make a difference and that's a waste of 20 bucks.

Any ideas?

barcode · Post by **barcode** » 31 Mar 2020, 10:21

How old is you air filter? I had I believe similar smell and the reason was 3 year old air filter.

2013volvoxc60 · Post by **2013volvoxc60** » 26 Apr 2020, 19:33

Not old at all. I believe it was replaced before my wife's mother gave her the vehicle. So like 6 months. I went ahead and changed it but the smell is still there

barcode · Post by **barcode** » 26 Apr 2020, 19:43

That's unfortunate. My old neighbor was detailing rental cars and he had ozone machinr. That he swears by removes a lot of smells. Maybe google it but I never used and I'm not sure how much it would help.

When I changed my air filter the air was improving gradually and disappeared after couple of days, it wasn't instant.

Also, activating afterblow in VIDA might help but it's going to drain your battery a bit.

Maybe someone else is going to chip in. I don't think that any car fluid smells like vinegar but make sure to check the coolant level. Although, I do think it's going to be organic..