Weird smell, grass smell, mainly when raining

[PAPZ4]

Hi guys,
Since a pretty long time I have a weird smell of decomposing grass, almost like weed in the car. Especially when raining.
Could be related to a water infiltration? Or maybe leafs decomposing? I already changed the air cabin filter.
Has anybody experienced the same thing?

 

[rdm05z4]

Have you checked around for any wet spots in the car? Could be that it is a mold smell carpet/door panels and happens when area gets wet again?

 

[pvr]

Have you also checked the drain plugs? Am I correct that the car is always outside?

 

[PAPZ4]

Yes you're right the car is sitting outside.
I've unclogged the drain plugs not a long time ago (water came out of the driver side one), I think I'll have to check them again.

 

[colb]

All drains need checking anfd flushing out not just the hood drains, make sure you clean out the windscreen scuttle drains, best to take the wipers off and take the windscreen scuttle cover off so uou can clean out all the crud that gets in there, drains at either end that run down a plastic pipe into the engine bay with a rubber flap on the end. Another possibility for the smell is the Aircon, it can get mould spores building up in the pipework, you can get a treatment from Halfords, its an aerosole type smoke bomb, with hood up, engine running set heater to recirculate air and fan on 1 or 2 temp set to hot. Small cannister is stood up in passenger footwell and set off, leave it to run with doors and windows closed for the time they state on the instructions and it will clean the system. Had mine cleaned and recharged at ATS Euromaster using a Groupon voucher, ice cold and nice smell in mine now.

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

Thinking that you say it smells when it's raining, and colb's post above about aircon - do you use the aircon to stop windows misting when it's cold and wet? That would work...

 

[enuff_zed]

Just one for all the ex-military types..................
If you are smelling something akin to new-mown hay, then 'be in time, mask in nine!'

 

[Ewazix]

Hippy in the trunk?

But seriously the carpet layers by the doors and under mats in the footwell are a common wet spot, due to leaks via the door seal or door membrane if been damaged or removed for window actuator and lock repairs.

 

[Mike6]

Cats can sometimes give off a smell like rotten eggs.

 

[Skiing]

Just one for all the ex-military types..................
If you are smelling something akin to new-mown hay, then 'be in time, mask in nine!'

back in the day used to test Military Gas mask canisters with Phosgene gas. If you smelt cut grass time to grab your BA and get the hell out.