Climatronic problem

[dopey]

Set off a disinfectant bomb in the car with the Air con on, on recirculate, then replace the pollen filter.

Didn't work. Filter is clean and smells like disinfectant but that's about it. Smell is so bad I can't even use the climate control at all right now. I reckon the evaporator must be full of bacteria or something.

Anyway, no DIY tricks were working so I've asked the dealer to tell me what they can do about it. Seeing as they already extorted some money from me to fail in fixing the issue last time I feel they should be doing something more thorough again this time or else I'll be somewhat pissed off.

[revivor]

Just change the filter. I had similar issues after trying so many bombs + disinfectant, after replacing the filter the smell went away. I bought a charcoal filter last yr for about $30 I think from VW Five Dock.

[MattDav]

Hi All

I have a B7 Passat 118 TSI (purchased 30 June 2012) and the Climate Control is freezing me on cool sunny days in Brisbane. My problem is the same as that of clip, namely: I set the Climate Control on Auto at 24 degrees, and on a cool day (17-20 degrees) and bright sunshine, the 4 front vents blow cold air. I have thrown a hat over the InfraRed sensor in the top of the dash at the base of the windscreen and this action reduces the cold air output by dropping the speed of the fan from 3 or 4 to 2. The Climate Control works without an issue at night-time or when the days is overcast and the sun is not shining on the IR Sensor.

I took it back to the dealer last week and the service manager indicated he was aware of the issue. His staff apparently checked and updated the Climate Control software, but to no avail as I cannot notice an improvement.

I will take it back to the dealer's service department again this week. If that fails, I am thinking of contacting VW Australia, and maybe sending them a copy of the posts on this thread. I do not think that covering the IR sensor is long-term appropriate fix.

Has anyone had any success in getting a dealer to fix the issue?

Thanks
Matt

[Brycem]

Matt

My new passat wagon has the same issues. Haven't explored this with the dealer yet. Which dealer are you using? I am in Brisbane too.

Thanks
Brycem

[Umai Naa!!]

Send Buzuki on here a PM.

He may be able to shed some light on the blizzard-like air con problem.

[MattDav]

Matt

My new passat wagon has the same issues. Haven't explored this with the dealer yet. Which dealer are you using? I am in Brisbane too.

Thanks
Brycem

Hi Brycem

I took the car to Bryan Byrt VW service, Mansfield. Hope to get back to the service manager for a chat in the next few days.

Today, I constructed a patented "VW Climate Control Regulator" - essentially a small cardboard box 70x40mm which on its top has 2 layers of window tint film. I sat the box on top of the IR sensor in the middle of the dash and went for a drive. Set the Climatronic on Auto at 24 degrees and went for a drive in very bright sunshine with outside temperature of 21 - 22 degrees. The Climatronic worked very well indeed with the fan on 2 bars and a gentle amount of air coming through the front vents. I lowered the Auto setting to 23 degrees and it again worked well. My next test (hopefully tomorrow morning if bright and sunny) is to go for a drive when the outside temperature is about 17 degrees and see how it performs. For a car of its expense and technology, VW should have a software modification suitable for our climatic conditions.

Silly question, new to this site, how do I send a PM to buzki?

Regards
Matt

[Umai Naa!!]

He's posted in a few Climatronic/air con threads in the Passat section lately.

When you spot one of his posts, click on his name, and there'll be an option to PM him.

[cru22z]

I had to stop using the aircon in my car..the smell is now unbearable. Its like a vinegar smell..sometimes smells like rotten fish left utside for days.

Anyone found a fix for this? I tried using Glen20 spray but only lasted one day then the smell went back again.

Anyone from Sydney that can help?

[cru22z]

Did you get this sorted mate??

[dopey]

My car has been in twice now (about to go back the 3rd time) for bad smell in the air con. I can't even use it right now.

First time they just ran a deodorizer/antibacterial treatment through. Smell returned next day.

Second time they did the treatment again after removing some leaves from the air intake. Changed air filters. Smell returned next day.

I'm sending it back a 3rd time and I've been pretty clear that I don't want them to do the same thing again. I want it ripped apart and fixed. My wife's about to give birth and the last thing I need is a car which has no climate control and constantly needs to return to the dealer to be repaired.

Not very pleased about it...