My heater core cracked and leaked coolant into the cabin.
It happened right after the mechanic steam cleaned my engine.
I think the steam cleaning caused it to fail.
The mechanic bypassed the heater core.
Quoted me $1700 to replace it.
Figured it wasn't worth replacing.
I have dried out and cleaned the cabin.
However when I use the AC or just the air flow for defrost and to get air,
I am still getting lots of coolant smell.
How can I clean out the AC and air system to get rid of the smell?
Also Should I replace the cabin air filter, and how do I do that?

Does $1700 sound too high to replace the heater core?

1995 A6 Wagon

 

The heater core is behind the firewall in the dashboard, so no way for a steam cleaning to damage that. Old age is what caused the failure, just an old car. Even folks who change the radiator fluid exactly on schedule and with spec fluid can have a core fail.
As for cleaning you would need to make sure the carpet is cleaned. Sponge damp the carpet while someone else uses a shop vac to suck up the water.
You can try to get into the vent box. Removed the glove box to see if there is a blower motor there. I have some pics in my album here that show a 1998 A6. You can remove the blower motor and reach in with a paper towel to soak up any fluid. Also you can try to run some water through the box. Take a piece of hose about 4 feet long, you need a helper, put one end in the box and hold it. With passenger door open, stand outside, hold the hose up and pour water into it. The water should run through the hose, into the box and out the drain. You can do this a few times in different positions to rinse out the box.
As for 1700, shop around and see, it seems high. I think the dashboard will have to be removed and that takes a lot of labor.