No smell insulation?

[uv23]

Okay this is a weird one. It seems like when I'm driving around, I can smell everything outside: exhaust fumes, people smoking, etc. There doesn't seem to be any kind of smell insulation. I can't remember what it was like with my last car, but I don't remember it being so strong. I find myself using recirculate mode all the time. Aren't the C30s supposed to be equipped with air filters?

[Black Rod]

Mine has the IAQS which works brilliantly. Automatically engages recirculate for set time durations and has two filters that clean the air to perfection. Perhaps the warranty claims people have re-routed your exhaust to eliminate much of their work?

[uv23]

I'm going to ask about it at my service appt on the 19th (taking care of a couple cosmetic issues). I would assume I also have air filters and such, but they just don't seem to be doing anything.

[Shomare]

IAQS is an option, not standard. There is a cabin filter. With just the cabin filter, smells will intrude unless you hit the recirculate button.

Maybe it's more noticeable since it interferes with the inhalation of the new car smell!

[uv23]

How do you know if you have this system? A lot of features that are options in US and European markets are standard on Canadian models, so I may have it. I know that in the computer "climate" options there is a "recirculate timer" option, that I currently have turned on.

[Shomare]

Preventing dust, pollen and exhaust particles from entering the interior via the ventilation system, the interior filter is a real benefit to driver and passengers prone to hay fever or other allergies.

If you add the interior air quality system to the available ECC, the air inside your Volvo can be cleaner than it is outside. When driving behind trucks, for example, or tunnels, an air quality sensor monitors the levels of toxic carbon monoxide in the incoming air and closes the air intake long before the levels inside the car become unhealthy. The Multifilter with active carbon prevents dust, pollen and exhaust particles from entering the car via the ventilation unit, along with exhaust fumes, wiper fluid, fuel and oil. It also reduces levels of nitrogen oxide, ground-level ozone and hydrocarbons in the interior.

*Available as custom build

I don't see it listed in the Canadian Specs

[uv23]

Dammit.

[CVOLVO.COM]

Originally Posted by uv23

Okay this is a weird one. It seems like when I'm driving around, I can smell everything outside: exhaust fumes, people smoking, etc. There doesn't seem to be any kind of smell insulation. I can't remember what it was like with my last car, but I don't remember it being so strong. I find myself using recirculate mode all the time. Aren't the C30s supposed to be equipped with air filters?

On the Canadian model, ECC and IAQS are standard on the T5 and part of the Premium Package on the 2.4i. I believe these systems act separately on your C30. Electronic Climate Control (ECC) and its cabin filter does not block out odours. There are 2 types of cabin filters, depending if you have ECC or not - charcoal filter with ECC and standard filter without. The function of the charcoal activated filter with ECC is to trap more air borne particles, such as pollen, smoke, etc, but still allow outside air to enter the cabin.

Here's my experience on both C30 and XC70 with ECC/IAQS. The problem is that by the time you smell the outside foul air, it's already circulated inside the cabin when you engage the Interior Air Quality System (IAQS). IAQS technically speaking should not let outside air into the cabin, but possibly you have an air leak somewhere (same reason some of us have water leaks)? IAQS is disengaged if you switch to defrost mode and can be programmed to turn itself off with a timer function to avoid fogging of the inside windows. Check your owner's manual since there are many situations when ECC and IAQS do strange things (sunroof open, etc...)

Originally Posted by Shomare

I don't see it listed in the Canadian Specs

ECC AND IAQS are described on page 5 of the brochure and listed on page 32 under standard features.

Another interesting feature on some Volvos is "PremAir"? I don't know if the C30 has this feature, although the owner's manual on page 8 says (certain models only)? It's too bad that PremAir is not integrated with the cabin air intake system

Pollution-eating radiator

The V70's radiator has a unique coating that helps convert smog-causing ozone to oxygen. The Prem-Air system includes a catalytic coating on the radiator which, when it is up to operating temperature, converts up to 75 percent of the ground-level ozone in the air passing through the radiator into oxygen. The Prem-Air system was developed by Engelhard Corporation in the U.S., and will likely show up on other cars in the future.

[wjs]

My owner's manual says nothing about the Interior Air Quality System, which I ordered and presumably got. I understand that IAQS is activated when the interior recirculation button is on and the letter "A" is illuminated.

But is it doing anything? I get the same smells as uv23 reported at the beginning of this thread. Is there a filter that need periodic changing? Anything else that needs checking?

[uv23]

There's no mention of IAQS in any Canadian materials. I'm going to bring it up at my next service, as I've basically stopped using my ECC altogether because its so bad. Not what I would have expected from a Volvo.

[1721greenwich]

Originally Posted by wjs

My owner's manual says nothing about the Interior Air Quality System, which I ordered and presumably got. I understand that IAQS is activated when the interior recirculation button is on and the letter "A" is illuminated.

But is it doing anything? I get the same smells as uv23 reported at the beginning of this thread. Is there a filter that need periodic changing? Anything else that needs checking?

there is a filter that needs changing(part of annual service). be aware that the system operates differently if outside temps are cold to prevent misting of windows.

[wjs]

Thanks, 1721. I'll ask about it when I go in for service. I was beginning to think that the problem was in my head, but now that the weather is nicer and I can open the windows I have noticed that the air is much fresher in the car with the windows open. Makes me wonder why I paid for IAQS.

[Stubaru]

Originally Posted by uv23

Okay this is a weird one. It seems like when I'm driving around, I can smell everything outside: exhaust fumes, people smoking, etc. There doesn't seem to be any kind of smell insulation. I can't remember what it was like with my last car, but I don't remember it being so strong. I find myself using recirculate mode all the time. Aren't the C30s supposed to be equipped with air filters?

Hey, wait a minute....what happened to all of Canada's clear unspoiled air?

S

[Smallvo]

Speaking of smells, has anyone else noticed a quick whiff of windshield washer fluid in the cabin every time the headlight washers activate? I can smell it pretty strongly, but only for a second.

[1721greenwich]

i used to get this on my old car. i got different smells depending on which additive i was using. the "fragrance" was sucked in via the fresh air inlet.