[alan slater]

Sometimes when I am driving my Q5 there is a strange smell like rotten veg inside my Q5 TDI. Any ideas what this could be?

The smell can disappear almost as quickly as it arrives.

Thanks

Al

 

[Hooplescat]

is your car petrol or diesel? if petrol, could it be the catalytic converter? does it happen under acceleration then go again? is the car quite new?

 

[Kaine]

Al - are you turning the AC off for periods of time? the smell you are describing could be the A/C evaporator smell caused when bacteria grows on it due to non use

Kaine

 

[Bill]

Hi Al
I had that smell in mine at Christmas but it came from me eating to many Brussel Sprouts,

Ha Ha
Sorry couldn't resist it.

 

[guyguyke]

A/C smell is rather old socks...

 

[Kaine]

guy - the old socks smell is caused by 'sweating' inside the A/C enclosure itself - evaporator odour smells a lot like rotten veg

 

[alan slater]

My Q5 is a diesel model 6 months old with 8000 mls covered. I am familiar with the a/c smell having had a A4 avant previously.

My wife seems to think that this smell mainly occurs in snowy conditions when the wheels might be slipping and the quatro system is working overtime to maintain traction?

I am not sure if this is the case or a bit of a red herring (she drives the car more than me).

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Al

 

[Kaine]

not sure then

 

[Guest]

It sounds like the smell is coming from the clutch.

I have a question into Audi at the moment as I noticed a similar smell (it's awful), after towing a horsebox.

You can check by letting the clutch slip for 10 seconds. Keep the bonnet open and the smell should be coming from low down in the engine compartment.

 

[stevepen]

The clutches do smell bad. I once tried to set off without my seatbelt on and forgot about the handbrake not automatically disengaging. After realising and switched the handbrake off the clutch stank terrible and that was only slipping it for a couple of seconds.

 

[alan slater]

There was a strange smell coming from the engine compartment. If it is the clutch is there anything I need to worry about?

I have never had this smell before even when towing heavy boats with other vehicles.

Thanks

Al

 

[Guest]

Hi alan,

I am concerned. The smell is very pronounced even when slipping the cluth a little when towing. I am waiting for a comment from Audi, but the fact that the Q5 is quoted as being a capable tow vehicle has me concerned that there maybe a build/quality problem.

 

[alan slater]

I agree does sound like a build/quality issue, as none of my previous cars have had this smell before. I just hope Audi is honest if there is a problem so that the fault can be dealt with. Based on how long it has taken them to accept there is an issue with sagging seats on their TT's (loads of TT owners have complained) and therefore introduce a retrospective modification I am not too hopeful.

Please let me know what Audi say

Thanks

Al

 

[Dossie]

I have the same problem with a rotten vegetable smell. It seems to be coming from the back under the hatch compartment. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks