XC70: General 2014 XC70 D5 - gas smell in cabin

[Thomsonaj]

Just taken ownership of a 2014 XC70 D5 with 188k miles - noticed a strange smell coming into cabin when driving slowly (sub 20mph), the closest thing I can describe it as is a natural gas/mineral-y smell.

When up to speed, it disappears, presumably because whatever it is is blow away from the car at speed. It's far more noticeable when warm with no obvious odour on the outside of the car.

It does need the air con regassing as it's hissing away when AC is activated with no cool air, so will start with that and take it from there. Worth noting it smells with AC on or off. I'll check the cabin air filter this weekend, but would have thought that would smell regardless of speed/load.

Any pointers / experience very welcome! Thanks.

[Thomsonaj]

Another thing to note is that it seems the battery doesn't fit in the tray to allow the lid to close as it's too big, I'll check the vents etc at the weekend, but if it's got the wrong battery in and it's overcharging, that may be causing it.

More to follow...

[ShadeTek]

The smell may be caused by several issues. It may be a bacterial build-up in the evap coils, leaky heater radiator, leaky air-con evaporator, air filter needing replaced, the smell may also be coming from the seats or something else is has been dropped down the side of the chairs like carry-out food. Don't rule out rodent activity.

I bought a car once which had 4 air freshners in it. It was only when I removed them after complaints of the lemon aroma, that the reason why they were there in the first place. The seats STANK of sweaty arze. Cue ordering a set of black leather computer/memory controlled seats from the scrappy.

[Thomsonaj]

Thanks - garage has diagnosed a leaking condenser, being replaced tomorrow so will see how we fare.

[Georgeandkira]

As you likely know, a mean odor can take time to dissipate. Only an ozone generator can lessen the time and not every garage has one.