Focus ST - Damp Smell?

al123 · 16 Jun 2010 at 09:05

Hi Everyone,

Since some heavy rain last week, my car has smelt quite damp. Can anyone suggest common places where it might be leaking?

It seems to get worse when the A/C is on. Could it be the A/C causing the smell? Or is it just because the smell may have got sucked into it?

MikeHiow · 16 Jun 2010 at 09:35

I'd look for the usual places - boot carpet, foot wells, under the front seats etc.

Aircon can have a damp smell about it if it isn't used for a while - my home aircon unit gives of a damp smell after it hasn't been used for a while, but I'm not sure if thats some kind of bacteria build up (we all know how they love aircon) or just because moisture builds up inside the system.

I'd be inclined to leave the engine running with the windows open for half hour (whilst you're not in the car!) with the aircon running on full blow and heat. If that doesn't solve it, it may be worth taking the system to be regassed and cleaned.

Relentless81 · 16 Jun 2010 at 09:37

If its coming through the vents even more so when the AC is on its just the AC system but its probably worth having a quick check for damp on the carpets all around the car

Hilly · 16 Jun 2010 at 09:40

Deffo check the footwell, might be caused by a blocked pollen filter for example.

Mr Jack · 16 Jun 2010 at 09:46

al123 said:
It seems to get worse when the A/C is on. Could it be the A/C causing the smell?

Yes, it could be the A/C. How often do you use it?

lazer46 · 16 Jun 2010 at 09:47

Have you been using the back seats for gymnastics?

speedyj · 16 Jun 2010 at 09:48

Drive slower and you'll stop wetting yourself...............

al123 · 16 Jun 2010 at 09:57

Thanks for all the replies!

I checked all the carpets when I noticed the smell, they didn't seem damp. Would it be worth giving the car a good soaking with the hosepipe then checking again?

As for the A/C. I use it most times I drive the car, but I don't use the car very much. I was thinking about getting it re-gassed anyway. As I don't know if it has ever been done.

Relentless81 · 16 Jun 2010 at 10:02

Run the car with the AC on and the windows up for ten mins the smell should go away

Mr Jack · 16 Jun 2010 at 10:24

al123 said:
As for the A/C. I use it most times I drive the car, but I don't use the car very much. I was thinking about getting it re-gassed anyway. As I don't know if it has ever been done.

Hmm... maybe if it's been a while. Left unused, A/Cs can easily harbour all sorts of microbial slime - it often happens to people who don't use their A/C all winter - but it doesn't sound the most likely cause.

al123 · 16 Jun 2010 at 10:38

It may be worth adding, I only got the car in April. So I don't know if the previous owner used the A/C.

Overlag · 16 Jun 2010 at 10:47

AC on recirc, full heat, windows closed. Maybe get one of those AC cleaners that sprays a mist in your car for 5minutes. That normally helps.

lucky13 · 16 Jun 2010 at 15:08

My colleague had an issue like this and it was water had got into the air filter as when it had been changed it hadn't been resealed quite right then when it rains water gets in and goes mouldy and comes through the a/c.

Master_Adam · 16 Jun 2010 at 16:18

check the boot, these are quite bad for leaking in the boot where the wires go through the boot via a grommet for all the electrics for the wiper and what not, make sure that is not split.

Pleh · 16 Jun 2010 at 16:52

Breaklight seals went on mine and caused this. Open the boot and look at the plastic trim under the break light, theres a gap, stick your hand up into the hole where there is sound proofing foam, if thats wet thats your problem. P

Also the boot hinges are prone to leaking check for any gaps in the paint.

al123 · 16 Jun 2010 at 20:07

I think I may have found the cause. I've just washed the car then checked the carpets. It was slightly damp and a little bit mouldy right at the back under the dash, on the passenger side. Everywhere else seemed ok.

Would that be caused by the pollen filter?

Gerard · 16 Jun 2010 at 21:51

al123 said:
I think I may have found the cause. I've just washed the car then checked the carpets. It was slightly damp and a little bit mouldy right at the back under the dash, on the passenger side. Everywhere else seemed ok.

Would that be caused by the pollen filter?

On some vauxhalls that can be caused by the pollen filter so its possible it could be the same for a focus.

al123 · 17 Jun 2010 at 08:22

Sorry for the shocking picture quality.

The scuttle panel is fastened on with tape at the drivers side, but not at the passenger side. I can lift it up and get my hand right down behind it (More than it looks like in the picture)! So I wonder if the water is getting in there?

dane3388 · 17 Jun 2010 at 08:25

I have the same problem with my corsa. I am going to take it to a garage to have them look at the AC filters etc as i have no idea how to do it myself. It stinks pretty bad atm!

al123 · 17 Jun 2010 at 19:42

Well I sprayed the car with the hose for 10 mins tonight...

I took everything out of the boot and their was a pool of water in the drivers side. So I'm guessing it's either the hinges or light cluster.

I took the pollen filter out, and it was bone dry. So I've ruled that out.

All the footwells were dry too.