How do you get rid of the crayon smell in an 2001 Jetta - short of having it professionally done?

Answer 1

Answer - CRAYON SMELL DIESEL JETTA 2001I have the same problem. I shampood it, but it came back. I think it will continue until we can stop the fumes from getting in. The air that comes through the return/outside air valve, under the dash,has to be contributing to this problem. That's what I'm working on now.

They crayon smell is due to the sound deadening material they put under the carpet. From my research it was mostly the 2001 and 2002 model years...not only for Jetta's but also for New Beetles. I finally found a solution.

From my post on newbeetle.org

So I decided to get to the bottom of this crayon smell once and for all. I had already taken my drivers seat out to replace the set belt clip and figured I'd just go the extra mile. After taking the seat out I was able to slice off a little piece of the sound deadening pad that's under the carpet, and sure enough, it was the problem! Took me about an hour to take apart the center console and the passenger and back seat. Took me about 35 or 40 minutes to pull up the carpet/take out the sound barrier. If you mechanically inclined at all and have a few hours you could easily handle this job. I have the seats airing out in the garage and the windows down in the car to get rid of any lingering odor. If anyone wants more details, let me know....

Answer 2

I have a black 2001 Jetta GLS 1.8t and I experience the same thing. A persistent crayon smell throughout the car that doesn't go away even when the windows are opened. I am used to the smell, but everyone who gets in the car comments on how much it smells like crayons.

So, from the research that I've done, mostly on VWVortex.com's online forums, it would seem that before shipping, the cars are sprayed with a sealant wax and it's when the wax melts and enters the door frames and other unreachable areas that it begins to smell. Most people on forums have long accepted the fact and can only suggest an air freshener. I am the third "black crayon" Jetta owner that I've found online.

It's an exclusive club. :)

I hope this helps

-Rob