Freshen up ECC? 99 V70

Is there any DIY method of freshening up the air flow through my climate control. I know that there is some dealer treatment of the pollen filter or the pipes I think, but can I do something myself. I currently get a rather 'mechanical' smell at start up.

Changing the pollen filter is easy enough, just remove the wiper arms and the black plastic cover beneath the windscreen and you'll see the filter, it just lifts out. They're about £14 from Halfords or a motor factor. You could try giving the filter housing a clean.

Good luck.

I recently had the same complaint. 850 TDI '96. The smell was the same as you'd expect from an underused A/C unit, or when you first switch on an electric blower heater. Burning dust.

My volvo garage used a special cleaning substance, and the smells went away. Cost 50 Euro.

However, I was advised to leave the Auto A/C on all the time, as there is a danger that the Evaporator could rust up. I know it uses more fuel, an extra 05 litre per 100 KM in the summer, but haven't had any problems since.

Oliver

[Bob]

The smell is caused by a build up of bacteria on the condenser unit. You can buy an aerosol, can't remember the name of it, to spray onto the unit. Some of the bigger radiator repair shops sell it.