briandye Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 Driving to work this morning and had the heater set on defrost and floor as usual, and on low. I started smelling an odd smell, the heat was blowing out hot and hard as normal still but has a funky smell to it now. I turned it off and then back on a few miles later and the smell wasn't there, but on my way home it's back. It's on all settings (defrost, vent, floor) I haven't tried the AC or anything besides heat (it's like 20 degrees outside!) What could this be? I don't smell anything with it off, and there are no odd smells outside of the car. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 A dirty cabin air filter or clogged A/C drain hose are among the top culprits for "funky" smells in the cabin. Is the smell "electrical" or "exhaust-y" or "musty" or ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briandye Posted November 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2014 Im honestly trying to think of what to describe it as, or compare it to and my mind is blank. Its not musty, or electrical or exhausty. I recently changed my cabin filter so ill double check that when I go out there, but I dont think its that. It doesnt smell like something that would be smelling from the filter, more of MAYBE like a sweet kind of smell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Posted November 14, 2014 Report Share Posted November 14, 2014 Usually, a sweet smell is coolant, and I hope that is not the case here! Check the coolant level, see if it's low, though it may not appear to be if the leak is a minor one at this point in time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briandye Posted November 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2014 I'm not able to check at the moment BUT on my way to work this morning...no smell. On my way home...no smell. I also stopped for gas and food still no smell! I'll definitely check when I get back though. Meant to this morning but I woke up late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briandye Posted November 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 I havent posted in a few days - the heat has been fine. Then I get to the carwash the other day, had the defrost on to keep the windows warm since it was like 10 degrees, and started to smell a burning oil smell. Not outside the car, only inside with the heat on. Thats when I finally remembered to check all my fluids, everything looks/smells perfect. Nothing low, nothing mixed, etc. I have only gotten that "funky" smell from the heat once or twice since, but its definitely a musty smell. What could cause that? I haven't emptied out my glovebox to get to check filter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 (edited) Did you ever find out the source of the oil leak early this year? It could have returned. I had a PTU seal go bad on me, would only smell in the wintertime on startup. Condensor and/or heater core may need servicing with BG FrigiClean or similar product, applied through the condensation drain. This should get rid of musty/mildewy odors. EDIT: Per another recent post, some F150 owners had an evaporator coil leaking, creating an oil smell in the cabin. So this is another item you might have looked at. Edited November 21, 2014 by WWWPerfA_ZN0W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.