About John Nelson Expertise All questions on Volkswagen 99.5-present A4 Jetta,1998-present Passat
All Touregs 1998-present Beetle 2003-present Beetle Converible. Please no A3 or B4 body style. fOR TECHNICAL ANSWERS I NEED THE VIN#. Or year, engine,make and model. Please be discriptive so I can help the best way possible.
Experience Six years at a quality analisis program dealership.
Education/Credentials AS degree of automotive science.
Awards and Honors Volkswagen Expert level. ASE Master Auto Technitian, L1 Certified. 2008 Certified.
Expert: John Nelson Date: 4/19/2007 Subject: smelly condenser
Question The owners manual for my 2001 VW Jetta says to run the A/C occasionally in the winter to avoid the condenser from developing a bad smell that will have a costly repair. Well, I now have the smell!! Im guessing this means replacing the condenser. Do you know how much this repair will run. (best guess).I'm trying to decide wheather the live with the smell or do the repair. thanks
Answer Well the condenser is out side of the car and the evaporator is what causes the bad smell. Mold grows over the air box and evaporator and causes the smell. The cure is to flush out the fresh air housing with a mold killing non flammable non staining chemical. At a dealer they should have the tool it is a VW mandatory tool and it runs from $200-$250 for labor plus parts. Call the dealer and find out. Ask about the air sept treatment. If this is not taken care of then the mold will grow and the smell will get worse and the treatment may not work. Its just like antibiotic treatment. Well good luck.
