AC/ Heater odor - Car Troubleshooting


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AC/ Heater odor

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Guest
Anonymous Poster

Nov 27, 2006, 6:12 PM

Post #1 of 4 (3316 views)

AC/ Heater odor	Sign In

I have a couple questions about my Nissan Sentra '01 that's been giving me some trouble. The first problem is a bad smell coming from the AC/ Heater. Everytime I turn either one on it smells like chemicals all throughout my car. I know my oil leaks, could it be leaking into my AC somehow? My other question is about my car always squeling quite loud. It squeals non stop unless I hit the gas. Hitting the gas seems to be the only thing that makes it stop.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Nov 27, 2006, 10:57 PM

Post #2 of 4 (3313 views)

Re: AC/ Heater odor	Sign In

It's always guessing but I think you have a problem with a belt or frozen part that it or they drive causing a burnt rubber type smell that can get into the cabin of a vehicle.

Take belt(s) off and spin each part by hand and I bet you find it. New belt in order too when found if that's it, T

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Anonymous Poster
JIMBOSANDI@aol.com

Jan 23, 2007, 12:05 AM

Post #3 of 4 (3287 views)

Re: AC/ Heater odor	Sign In

I just saw this post and am having the same type of problem with my 93 Honda Civic. I would describe the smell as sort of a "burnt- coffee" smell that I get when using my heater. Could this cause a fire? Please answer soon as I have already had four car fires in the past (different cars) and I have only this one vehicle,now.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 23, 2007, 1:52 AM

Post #4 of 4 (3284 views)

Re: AC/ Heater odor	Sign In

You probably don't have a fire hazard. Try something like Lysol down the vents near windshield wipers while blower is going. I'd bet there are small leaves or pine needles rotting away in the heater box. If bad enough it has to come apart for cleaning.

As far as the type of odor:

Leaking heater core smells a bit like Gatorade,

Oil leaks that burn on hot engine parts smell more like bad exhaust.

That just my nose?? T

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