Smelly air vents

[Hughes 66]

Corsa auto 1400cc.04.I have had problems with the heater/air con for more than the past year.The car has been back to agent and they have serviced the air con.This has not made any difference.The air pollen filter has been changed also.If i switch on the air blower before the engine is started you get the horrid smell like plastic chemical.Do you think a complete flush out of the water and a refill would make any difference.The smell can come at any time whem driving.

[gsr600]

sounds like you have had all the obvious faults rectified
shouldn't think flushing the system would do anything.
now change your trainers.
could you put a air freshner in the system maybe.

[Panic Button]

My tame mechanic said it is due to things growing fed by the condensation in the cooler. He said you can buy a bacteriacidal spray to push through the ventilation system, although I haven't tried it yet.

[Brooksy]

I think it was Honest John in the Telegraph who recommended running the system at full heat for some time to kill off any bacteria (better try it before the weather really warms up!). I also spotted an air con odour treatment by the tills at Halfords the other week, but don`t know if they`re any good. Googling "air con problems" provides useful information.