2002 Jetta A/C Smells like Musty Water

Hi there! I'm new to the Forum--got a few questions that have been plaguing me for months...will post a seperate topic for my other question.

When I turn on my A/C, it initially pumps out this horrible smell of musty/damp water. I had the air cabin filter changed but it did not solve the problem. Any thoughts?

MY 01 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THERE NICE,FAST ETC BUT THEY REALLY SMELL

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01 jetta 1.8t wolsberg edtion!!!woot woot

There is a plastic tray under the fan motor on the passenger side. It is supposed to act as a drain for condensation from the A/C evaporator and small amounts of water are supposed to evaporate there in said tray. Tray will fill with water and it's like having stagnant pond scum in your car.

Consult your Haynes manua's sectionl on removing blower motor. You don't necessarily need to remove the blower motor and squirrel cage fan but all of the steps required to remove the fan are necessary to remove the catch tray with the final exception of removing the motor and fan. Standing water will also corrode the resistor pack and connectors if submerged long enough or often enough. The symptom for that is missing fan speeds.

You may be able to remove the tray without removing the glove compartment and dash surround but I remember doing it "by the book". I've also seen some of the Mexican Jettas with the sound deadener insulation stuffed into the tray. That situation would turn the insulation into a giant wick.... Ick.

Remove the tray and clean it and the resistor pack and connectors and maybe even spritz a little Lysol into the area before reassembly.

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2002 Jetta Wagon