Questions tagged [smell]
Use for questions where smell is a defining feature – e.g., in cases where a distinctive smell helps to diagnose a problem, or where you want to ask about a smell as the primary issue.
99
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Why does my A/C blow foul smelling air when it first turns on?
Most of the time when I first turn on the A/C in our 2008 Toyota Sienna, the air that blows out has a very distinct chemical - nasty smell. After a while it seems to go away. I'm not sure if I just ...
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16
votes
5
answers
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When car is standing still, I smell Diesel exhaust. Why?
In my 2003 Opel Vectra, the cabin air smells of Diesel exhaust while stopped at e.g. a red light.
The exhaust smell goes away when driving, and it also doesn't come back if I turn the ventilation off ...
16
votes
5
answers
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Oil burning smell and slow oil leak
I am wondering what types of issues I am most likely looking at with this; My 2003 Ford Escape (V6) has an increasingly pronounced burnt oil smell that has developed slowly over a year or so, coupled ...
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14
votes
3
answers
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Clutch smell after botched attempt at accelerating on a ramp
Recently on a ramp in a parking structure I messed up when trying to accelerate again from a standstill by not letting the clutch out far enough and bringing the engine to way too high rpms (may have ...
- 505
12
votes
1
answer
2k
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Recreate new car smell
I bought a second hand Toyota Sienna 4 months ago. Even though it is a 2009 with 100,000km on it, the interior had that "new car" smell to it, and held it for several weeks.
Four months later, the ...
- 290
11
votes
3
answers
3k
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Why is oil on my throttle body hose?
I've been tracking down a number of low grade oil smells in the car lately (2004 Subaru WRX). So far, that has included replacing the left front axle (was losing all kinds of grease through the boot),...
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9
votes
4
answers
13k
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Remove smell / odor from car's interior
We recently purchased a used minivan and it wasn't until we got it home and let it sit overnight that we noticed there was a distinct smell to the interior. The smell is not offensive but it is not ...
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9
votes
1
answer
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My car's diesel exhaust smells really bad
First of all let me say I apparently have no exhaust leak.
For a long time I've been asking myself how was it possible that the exhaust of my car smells so bad. It does it when in the morning, I ...
- 443
8
votes
1
answer
171
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Neutralizing sulfur-like smell from car
A full bottle of jewelry cleaning (links product and material safety data sheet below) broke in my car and went unnoticed for a few days. Now the car has a sulfur-like smell whenever I go into the ...
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votes
5
answers
13k
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How much isopropyl alchcol to deodorize AC ducts?
i'm looking to remove an odor from my Corolla's fresh air intake.
There are products available where you spray the product into the fresh air intake (near the windshield wipers), while the fan is ...
- 297
7
votes
1
answer
16k
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I drove with the handbrake on for 1000 metres
I left my handbrake on for about 1000 meter when driving this winter. I smelled something burning when I opened the front door.
Since then there is often a burning smell back right wheel after ...
- 71
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1
answer
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2009 Hyundai Sante Fe - gas smell in cabin after replacing fuel sending unit. has been repaired 4x's now
Fuel sending unit replaced. Since then it has gas smell in car. It has been redone by mechanics four times now but still has a gas smell when the gas level is in the first quarter of the tank.
Cap ...
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6
votes
2
answers
2k
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Which knob setting best cooks the mold inside HVAC?
I am trying to eliminate odors inside HVAC by cooking the mold that is presumably causing them, as suggested in https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/a/146/15334 (which got 39 upvotes)
However, I don't ...
- 215
6
votes
2
answers
4k
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Burnt oil smell when revving engine
When accelerating hard and revving engine around 2000-4000 rpm I smell burnt oil smell from my A/C. The smell is similar when I open the oil filler cap or dipstick.
Did hunt for oil leaks and solved ...
- 191
6
votes
1
answer
310
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Do I have to get another Volvo?
I live in Florida and have mold allergies. Multiple times my 2008 Sienna van has a bad AC smell develop which makes me cough my head off. The dealer has cleaned the evaporator and ducts and the ...
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3
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Why does my car smell badly after it has been raining?
I park my 2006 Toyota 4Runner outside, and, after it rains, the inside of my car smells badly. i suspect that the moisture causes mildo. That said, I have two questions:
How do I eliminate the odor?
...
6
votes
2
answers
4k
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Foul Smell when turning on air conditioning
I have a 2007 Chrysler Aspen, and recently (past 2 weeks) when I turn on the ac, I notice a 'foul' smell, like burnt rubber, or even sulphur-like. The smell will last a few minutes and will gradually ...
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6
votes
1
answer
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2002 Mercedes E320 - Exhaust getting into the cabin of the vehicle and causing headaches
Experiencing exhaust fumes in the car. It's causing eyes burning and headaches after driving the car for 30 minutes. The Dealer checked and found nothing wrong but every time after driving the car ...
6
votes
1
answer
1k
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2001 Subaru Legacy L Wagon - Gas smell and light shaking
So... It is really freezing and has been really cold these past few days.
But, my 2001 Subaru Legacy L Wagon started acting up.
First, here are things I know been replaced before I got it - Tires, ...
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5
votes
3
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24k
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Burning smell, leak, losing power. Maybe transmission related
First off, I know almost nothing about cars. I can fill them up with gas and drive them. That's about it. This car is a '99 Subaru Outback, automatic.
When I last took my car in for an oil change, ...
- 153
5
votes
2
answers
24k
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Hands still smell like gasoline after multiple washings, it is safe to handle food?
I have been reparing my weed wacker, so I have the gasoline/oil mixture on my hands. I have washed them twice with hand soap, once with orange soap scrub, once with dish soap, once with hand ...
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5
votes
2
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White smoke and burning smell from engine area, can you spot the oil leak?
I own an Audi A4 2008.
When I drive the car for more than 15 minutes I get white smoke coming from under the hood and a burning smell getting into my air conditioning system. When I open the hood, I ...
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5
votes
1
answer
761
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How to get the swamp smell out of my car?
My 2000 Mercury Sable 4D Premium LS (Duratec 24V DOHC 3.0L engine) smells like a musty swamp. The door seals leaked a couple years ago, letting in water. Since then it has smelled awful. I'm gotten ...
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votes
1
answer
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Driving fast on gear 4 and smelling burnt smell after
I was driving about 60 to 70mph on freeway on gear 4. Started smelling a burnt smell and ended up getting a flat tire. Was able to use spare tire, and was able to drive home no problem, but now I ...
- 41
4
votes
1
answer
10k
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Smell of Ammonia when driving. What can be the reason?
I started smelling ammonia when a drive. What can be the reason?
I did recently changed the exhaust pipe. I drive infinity G35.
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votes
3
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Why would gasoline engine exhaust smell like perfume?
Quite often I encounter a vehicle that has exhaust with rather sharp smell similar to perfume. As far as I know this is attributed to the engine malfunctioning - normally working engine will exhaust ...
- 1,376
4
votes
1
answer
4k
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Burning Rubber while driving and after
Tonight I popped out in my partners car and noticed an awful burning/chemical smell whilst driving, this smell got worse if you turned on the AC (FAN BLOWER), so I got her to pull over and had her pop ...
- 191
4
votes
1
answer
379
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06 Solstice (Yay) Fuel smell after hard acceleration
Vehicle: the ever-present 2006 Solstice with aftermarket turbo.
When I lift after hard acceleration, I can smell what I think is gas for a few seconds. It dissipates quickly, but is disturbing.
A ...
- 3,149
4
votes
1
answer
1k
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Honda Civic Hybrid: IMA Battery and egg-like smell
My 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid won't start.
When I try to turn on the engine, the lights in the dashboard flash but nothing happens. I've jumped the car several times and have finally accepted that the ...
- 41
4
votes
2
answers
4k
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2003 Ford Escape..strong fuel smell
2003 Escape 3.0L V6 149,000 miles 4x4. Three weeks ago a very strong fuel smell coming from rear of vehicle after I park it. Don't smell it anywhere else. Replaced the original fuel cap with after ...
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4
votes
1
answer
1k
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Burning Smell and smoke
I know almost nothing about cars, I have an 05 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2
The other day I had to brake hard, like the hardest I've ever braked, but it wasn't full foot down. As I stopped, I noticed a large ...
- 141
4
votes
0
answers
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Mercedes veto Exhaust
Just got a new exhaust fitted, the part that goes from the front wheel area all the way to the back. And NOW there is a smell of exhaust fumes in the veacle, that seams to be coming from the vents. ...
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votes
3
answers
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Burning smell when driving
Firstly, this question is written by someone with very little knowledge of cars. So, please bear with me.
Some weeks ago, I was driving to work and smelled this horrible, thick, burning odour. Given ...
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3
votes
1
answer
169
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Best way to clean car carpet?
If you have a damp and musky carpet what is the best way to clean it? I imagine it’s too big to be put in a washing machine.
I guess you could put it in a bath tub and agitate but I hope there’s ...
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3
votes
2
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158k
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Burning smell and smoke from rear tire
I was driving when I began smelling a burning, possibly rubber, smell and when I pulled over there was smoke coming from my passenger side rear tire well. Nothing appears to be wrong with the tire or ...
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3
votes
2
answers
5k
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Loud rumbling and burning smell when turning on defroster
Tonight while driving my 2003 Kia Sedona with the defroster on, suddenly I heard this very loud rumbling which sounded like it was coming from the engine compartment on the passenger side. My first ...
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3
votes
1
answer
205
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Exhaust smells coming from ventilation system
The inside of my Suzuki Alto smells like exhaust/gas/oil. The smells seem to be coming through the ventilation system when the fan is blowing.
What could cause these conditions?
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3
votes
1
answer
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Paint thinner/magic marker smell coming from AC
I recently purchased a 2012 Honda Civic (~36,000 miles). The AC will intermittently give off a paint thinner or magic marker smell. From what I understand, antifreeze has a sweet smell, and mold or ...
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votes
1
answer
4k
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Burning smell when getting out of the car
I sense a burning smell when getting out of the car (Nissan Maxima 02 V6). I am pretty sure it is an oil leak from somewhere based on the odor, but not sure where else to look for.
The smell was ...
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3
votes
2
answers
6k
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Fuel smells inside the car when at idle
I have a 2002 Honda civic 1.7L. The car started to make a deeper sound and at idles with heat on, it smells fuel inside the car. Not sure if related, I recently went camping, I parked the car on a ...
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3
votes
1
answer
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Vehicle tries to stall when at a stop
Have a 2009 Saturn.
Two weeks ago I took it for a basic oil change at the dealership and requested that it be checked out for any other problems but I have noticed that sometimes at a stop light it ...
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3
votes
3
answers
9k
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Why is it that my car smells like it's overheating but my temperature gauge says that it's not?
I have a 2006 Nissan Maxima with a hundred and sixty-eight thousand miles on it. The water pump works fine but for some reason everytime I get out of my car it smells like it's overheating and yet my ...
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3
votes
2
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**strong burnt rubber odor** coming from the passenger side REAR tire area
I can smell a strong burnt rubber odour coming from the passenger side REAR tire area. I sprayed that tire and that area with some water and a lot of steam/smoke arose. I then sprayed the other ...
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3
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0
answers
134
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2010 Volvo S80 - Cabin HVAC system schematics
Something in my sedan's cabin air system smells bad (organic bad, not mechanical bad), even after changing the cabin air filter.
I have a bore scope, vacuum, compressor, and hoses sufficient that I ...
- 1,189
2
votes
4
answers
6k
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BMW e46 cabin air vent smells [duplicate]
The cabin vents smell like mold and mildew. It's worse during humid days. I'm pretty sure the AC has something to do with it (since it smells bad when I turn the AC off and keep the fans blowing) but ...
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2
votes
1
answer
205
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2002 Subaru with strange smell, thin white steam
2002 Subaru Outback with previous cracked and repaired head gasket about ten years ago. The only thing of note is that it does burn oil a little at a predictable rate. The worst this car has had is a ...
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2
votes
1
answer
1k
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Mazda 3, temporary acidic vinegar/mayonnaise smell
Lately I have noticed, just after switching on the A/c, I smell some sort of a vinegar/mayonnaise mixed smell for about 5 mins, post which it disappears automatically.What could be the possible cause, ...
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1
answer
4k
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For cleaning HVAC with Lysol, should the AC be on or off?
Many people recommend spraying Lysol Disinfectant Spray or similar products into the HVAC intake to kill mold and bad odors inside HVAC.
Should the AC be on or off for this procedure?
As far as I ...
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2
votes
1
answer
1k
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What's That Honey Smell?
From time to time I get a pretty noticeable honey-like aroma coming out of my vents. Although it smells like honey to me, a friend described it as "old lady lavender".
I have a 2011 Nissan Sentra ...
- 193
2
votes
2
answers
141
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Exhaust gas composition from London buses
I asked this on Reddit earlier this week, but nobody had much technical insight.
Can anyone shed light on why exhaust gas from a typical London bus smells entirely different from a coach or truck's ...
- 143