So i started having this smell come into my car. I know it IS my car because it will start to smell when I'm by myself.

 

Its very hard to describe and only happens when the A/C is on and, from what i can figure, stops when I turn the knob to "recirculating" air.

 

Its not Coolant, and is defiantly not fuel or exhaust - at least, not from what i can figure. Its kind've a bitter "wthell is that" smell, freon maybe since i really only smell it when i'm in A/C mode??? though, I only smell it when I'm at a stand still. And my A/C blows cold cold.

 

I think the smell goes away if i turn to "vent" mode. I know I'm not crazy because i had some passengers today and they noticed it too.

 

 

Ideas?

 

edit: I think i can still smell it when i pop the hood.. near the ABS module? it makes a humming sound even after the car is off.. for a while

 

 

-Justin

Edited June 24, 201213 yr by crazyman03

I guess you've already eliminated a torn CV boot slinging grease onto the exhaust? Other fluids dripping on the exhaust?

yea. And actually the boots are in good shape. I'm going to try and see if i can wash down the engine today and see if i can see anything leaking..

 

 

-Justin

sometimes a car might pick up road debris (tar or a plastic bag, etc.) on the exhaust.

 

Check at the front diff for leaks. Gear oils smell funky even when they aren't being cooked-off.

Ok, so i cleaned the engine.. question.

 

 

what does the refrigerant/Freon smell like?

 

I washed it this morning and now when i got home just now, i have a wet something or another on the High side of the A/C hose. I take a quick whiff of it and thats what i'm smelling. Not nearly as *much* potency but still that smell. Could it be the hose itself getting too hot??

 

It was 101 out today and the A/C blew and kept the car cold considering the back window is still plastic.

 

 

-Justin

Refrigerant itself doesn't have a smell that I'm aware of, but I've never tried to smell it (I'd rather not die). The Oil used in the system can have a rather pungent odor though.

 

If you wipe the substance with your finger, does it feel oily? Is it green, or does it appear green in sunlight?

Looked at the hose this morning.. There really wasnt enough on it to get a feel of if it was oily. I kinda looked green.

 

 

 

 

-Justin

I kinda looked green.

 

Yeah, I kinda looked green too. With envy, when I saw how clean your engine is!

windshield washer leaking/spraying from a cracked hose underhood?

windshield washer leaking/spraying from a cracked hose underhood?

 

Nope and no.. nothing is wet under there except that hose.. As a reference too.. It was wet before i washed under the hood. I wiped it down to see if it returns to the same spot..

 

too much pressure and the oil is leaking out?? that cant be right because i'd be losing freon right??

 

 

Yeah, I kinda looked green too. With envy, when I saw how clean your engine is!

 

Just a regular car wash tire/engine cleaner, little bit of soap wash and a light Wax spray ;-) works every time

 

 

-Justin

If you get your nose next to that spot on the hose - is that the smell?

 

I dunno, it just doesn't seem like that could be the problem. possible I suppose.

 

Our 03 OBW had to have the a/c discharge and intake hoses replace back in , uh, 06 i think, anyway, just barely in warranty. The dealer said the hoses were leaking. I assume he meant the hose itself or they would have replaced the o-rings I guess.

kind've yea.. though, when i first got to sniffing around under there i also thought i smelled it over by the ABS module... I guess i'll just have to wait and see when it comes back stronger.

 

I had the "circulating" A/C going today.. maybe i'll have to fight the stench and put it on regular mode..

 

 

 

-Justin

diff/MT gear oil stinks - maybe a front diff seal is dripping/blowing onto the exhaust.

 

does your car have a cabin air filter behind the glove box? Maybe it's stinking.

curious, Its an automatic, the front diff would be the AT fluid right?

 

 

-Justin

curious, Its an automatic, the front diff would be the AT fluid right?

 

 

-Justin

 

nah, it's a separate 'sump' for that fluid. The dipstick is on the other side from the a/t stick, a little lower and little further back.

drove it again.. I think it is seeping out of that hose..

 

Though, It didnt really smell when i stuck my nose at it.. i pop the hood and its hard to narrow down..

 

 

-Justin