S60 acrid smell from air vents

My 2001 S60 2.4SE has suddenly developed a pungent smell which appears to be
emanating from the air vents. Anyone have experience of this occurring and
is it an indication of a problem with the air conditioning I wonder?

Any advice appreciated, thanks.

 

I had this with my old 240. It was the heater core leaking.

 

Leaking coolant will usually have a sickeningly sweet smell unless you
have been running pure water in the cooling system. It is not what I
would call pungent. An indication of a leaking heater core is a fine
fog on the front window that doesn't go away with the AC on or with
side windows open.

You might check for a buildup of mold. The car's software should
toggle the blower fan to come on after the AC has been used but it may
not be set correctly. I'm not sure where you live, but a buildup of
leaves in the air intake can decompose and result in a very strong odor
as well.

 

This time of year and depending on the humidity being high, your catalitic
unit on the exhaust system might be emitting sulphuric fumes mixed with some
hydrogen sulfide. Chances are your engine is running a little rich do to
the cold and adding to the problem. Just a thought.
Dale

 

Thanks to each of you for your suggestions.

I now suspect a defective heater core, as the symptoms Roadie describes are
very similar to those I am experiencing. It would seem that replacing this
is not a quick or cheap operation and probably well beyond my competance or
patience!

Has anyone any recommendation for a reliable supplier/fitter in the New
Forest, UK area, please?

 

First make sure its not the Heater Fan resistor pack / power stage unit
thats melting- it sits in the airflow for cooling...

Burst heater core will smell sweet and cause the windows to mist up (and
coolant level in expansion tank to drop)

Tim..