XC90 strange smell

[jlet]

Hi all i have a strange smell that comes through the air vents of my 05 XC90 D5 when i stop after driving it doesnt happen on just tickover it happens after driving.
It smells like a natural gassy/fresh oil smell definitely not a burnt smell any ideas? Im leaning towards a transmission issue as it only happens after driving.

[DickyB V70R]

J, It might just need the Pollen Filter changing...worth a look.
DB.

[giw12]

Have had the same thing for years and never got to the bottom of it.

Eau de Volvo perhaps?

[TruckbusUK]

+1 for DickyB .... wet pollen filter.

[Simmy]

yes dirty wet pollen filter and probably full of leaves they are cheap enough and should be changed with the regular servicing

[jlet]

Originally Posted by TruckbusUK

+1 for DickyB .... wet pollen filter.

Wouldn’t that smell on tickover though. Even if i sit for 30 mins until everything is up to temperature it still doesnt smell, as im driving i cant smell it, its when i stop in traffic or pull up somewhere then it stinks like natural gas.

[Moose Test]

Originally Posted by jlet

Wouldn’t that smell on tickover though. Even if i sit for 30 mins until everything is up to temperature it still doesnt smell, as im driving i cant smell it, its when i stop in traffic or pull up somewhere then it stinks like natural gas.

I agree. And what you're describing sounds to me like the very characteristic smell of transmission fluid.

That said, it's a trivial enough to replace the cabin filter as a process of elimination.

[Mike A]

Is your air conditioning working ok ? Check it not stuck in recirculation mode ?
As the aircon been been sanitized...have any coolant loss?
All worth checking but as stated start with cabin filter and check no debri as been drawn in around the engine bay .

[jlet]

Originally Posted by Moose Test

I agree. And what you're describing sounds to me like the very characteristic smell of transmission fluid.

That said, it's a trivial enough to replace the cabin filter as a process of elimination.

Yes i will definitely replace the cabin filters to rule them out. Its a strange one because if i immediately pull the trans oil dip stick to smell, it smells as it should and still has its red colour. But the car doesnt seem to be pulling great either that’s why I initially thought trans issue. Gear changes are smooth and no banging into gears it just feels like it would if it had a clutch and was slipping really revvy and no pull. Not sure if these throw a code up if the trans is slipping.

[Moose Test]

It's my belief, based on posts I've seen on this site previously, that the transmission control module is capable of detecting failure of the lock-up clutches to operate correctly at the expected road speeds and that it logs DTC messages accordingly.