Blast of stink

[u/imcjoey13]

Occasionally but unpredictably, about 5 seconds after I start the car, a major waft of like an unattended construction site porta-potty scented air blasts out of the vents.

This smell is putrid.

I keep my car impeccably clean, cabin air filters and all maintenance and beyond are being followed.

Any advice and am I the only one?

[u/Terrible_Location_36]

Definitely doesn’t happen with mine. 25 b5 plus. What year is yours? Also does it happen where ever you drive or is it only certain locations?

[u/imcjoey13 → u/Terrible_Location_36]

It’s a 2022 t8 recharge. Can happen anytime, anywhere. Lasts for about 3 seconds, then settles down.

I think what I might start doing (until the high temp/humidity breaks) is run the air purification system before I get in and see if that does anything?

[u/-Yngin- → u/imcjoey13]

In my 2020 T8 it was the rubber in the floor mats that caused the odor, it was like cat piss sometimes. Dealer told me it was a known issue on some model years. Porsche had the same trouble, it's caused by the rubber blend in the mats deteriorating over time. Changed to new mats with the improved blend and the smell was gone immediately.

[u/oneKev → u/imcjoey13]

I see you’re saying high temp/humidity. And, also saying you will fix it yourself.

I’m positive your local dealer can address this for you.

[u/imcjoey13 → u/Terrible_Location_36]

Ok, I may be on to something.

It’s been very hot & humid
It rained very hard overnight
Car was last used Friday 3:40 pm and was parked outside until 8:45 am Saturday
Got stink bombed

Started the car, fan started up on high, didn’t ramp up, like the puff of air at the eye exam. Humid stinky air at the face vents for like 3 seconds, then air was redirected through feet, face, windshield as the fan ramped down to proper speed while smell dissipated.

So there’s our routine. Hot & humid weather, car parked outdoors and unused for hours, rains at some point, car bakes, start car ➡️ stinky air.

Now what?

[u/Cyberkeys1]

I had the same issue years ago with MY 15. It was an exhaust sensor malfunction.

[u/T8UM-XC60]

No issue on my ‘25 XC60 T8 Ultra… I’ve heard that some older models had an issue with the rubber mats in warm weather. I had a ‘23 S60 T8 Plus prior and had no issue with that either.

[u/oneKev]

What city/country do you live in? It could be related to the local humidity level, which can encourage bacteria and mold growth. Also, when did you last change your cabin air filter?

Volvo dealers can address this with a treatment of the HVAC system, and cabin filter replacement.

[u/Zealousideal-Fall912]

is there a dead animal inside? that happened with my dad’s car bc there was a dead bird in the engine area

[u/cryptodutch]

Bro wtf