1993 Chevy S-10

When driving with the windows up and ac on for a little while a strange smell develops, on max (recirc) after 45 minutes it can actually be quite uncomfortable. Likewise riding in a vehicle with AC on and having to put the windows down or open the fresh air door is a little bothersome. Also, in case it isnt obvious, it is strange enough to have me a little stumped.

What it does NOT smell like:

1. Mildew/Mold. I have smelled several different variations on this aroma in vehicles over the years, ranging from "oops I forgot to clean out the cooler" to something resembling more of a "fermented dogshit" flavor.

2. Dead animal/vegetable. It does not register quite "rotten" enough as decomposing meat or fruit.

3. Coolant or Freon. Similar to #2, the smell is not quite "chemical" enough to warrant a look in that direction. Still, before even mentioning this to another soul I felt obligated to explore this possibility first. Coolant level isnt low, and based on the strength of the smell if it was freon the AC should have quit working some time ago. I did not, however, go as far as to lay eyes on the heater core (because no suspicious smell from the heat) or hook up a set of guages and check line pressures. Possibly also of note in this area is the fact that quite often you can hear freon traveling through the lines after shutdown. Possibly negating that however is that my Escalade does that too from time to time.



At this point I am not sure what to do. Maybe pull the blower motor and have a look? Any ideas?

8/7/2008 12:27:30 PM

When my Accord was doing the same thing a few months ago, I ended up having to replace the AC Compressor.

I had a funny smell coming from my vents every now and then, but mine DID smell like Mildew or freon..

Dont know enough about AC systems, so could this be a culprit?

8/7/2008 12:31:44 PM

cat pissed in your cowl vent

/thread

8/7/2008 12:51:22 PM

^THAT has got to be about the best explanation that I have heard yet.

Joel, YOU of all people not hooking up a manifold gage set before going further? I have to admit, though, if it's still cooling and the smell is strong, then I wouldn't suspect low refrigerant levels. Especially if it's still got R12 in it, which doesn't leak nearly as bad as 134 in most cases.

How about if you run the heat? What do you get?

8/7/2008 11:59:41 PM

^ I have had his truck for a couple weeks so he hasn't had the time to troubleshoot it much, but I haven't had the heat on to see if any smells come out then. Most of the time I drive it the windows are down and the fan is off or on the lowest setting.

8/8/2008 12:08:16 AM

i'll put $50 down that mice got in it at the new place. you're getting a combination of pee, crap, nest odor, and maybe even some dog food they've scavenged from your house or neighbors. that place is prime living for little rodents with the barn and now cars....

you would KNOW if it was cat pee. that stuff is pungent. i'd just try a highly dilluted clorox/bleach mix sprayed in the fresh air intake, blower motor, and vents. let it sit a bit, then retry.

lemme break out and old school one on you too. cut an apple or two in half, leave them core side up sitting in the floorboard for a couple of days. ANY smell you've got in that truck will be gone. if you've got any stains, clean them with white vinegar just before putting the apples in. shit works.

8/8/2008 1:27:26 AM

mice is a possibility, but not from here. first noticed the smell before we moved out here.

8/8/2008 2:17:38 AM

^^just because i've never heard that before, how does leaving out an apple help? Doesn't it just rot and smell like ass as well?

8/8/2008 3:39:53 AM

youre suposed to do it with cantaloupe.

8/8/2008 11:02:22 AM

does it smell like fried chicken, crack, and watermelon?

might be a nigger

8/8/2008 11:53:40 AM