weird smell
 

so i got my car inspected tonight, the people were really nice, and they fixed an exhaust leak for me for free so i would pass. but then when i left i noticed a really weird smell coming from the defroster. it's not gas, it's like a chemical smell. i don't know if it's bad or not, it's just weird, but only the defroster, not the heat or anything else. is this cause they fixed my exhaust leak? or something they do when they smog check a car? i'm not sure, but i don't like the smell. it's kinda gross.

Re: weird smell
 

Does it smell like burning coolant?

Re: weird smell
 

i don't think so. i had that problem a year ago, it smells more foul than sweet.

Re: weird smell
 

and i drove my car earlier with no smell. it was just after they inspected it. i think they cleaned something out or used some chemical in the test and it's just residue. it makes me a little nauseated.

Re: weird smell
 

well i drove home from work, and the smell gradually decreased, so i think it was residue from something at the shop. it almost smelled like metal, which would make sense since they welded the exhaust.

Re: weird smell
 

Sounds like its nothing to worry about, unless it comes back. good luck

Re: weird smell
 

Depending on how "foul" it is, it could be from gear oil if they have to check the differential levels. (not sure how inspections work as we don't have them here)
Also, if they have to check that, the diff dipstick has a notch on some of them so that it rests correctly. If they didn't get the notch in the nothced open spot on the case, it could be coming from there.

Try checking that as well as checking to see if the smell goes away completely when you hit the "circ" button on the climate control. This recirculates the air in the cabin instead of bringing in air from outside the car.

Re: weird smell
 

where is that dipstick? and i think it was just residue from the shop. it started to smell less like chemicals and more like a mechanic shop. but i didn't even try the circ button yet, i was too busy watching my temp gauge to make sure my cooling system hadn't erupted again. lol :o

Re: weird smell
 

It's on the passenger side of the transmission. Below all the wiring harnesses and hoses. The dipstick can be either black or I've also seen yellow for the dipstick.

Re: weird smell
 

When you're running the heat, are you running it in ECON or AUTO?

Re: weird smell
 

running auto. should i use econ? it's about 15 degrees at night now. i was under the impression that econ is for like 60 degree weather.

Re: weird smell
 

Auto means the a/c will come on if needed, Econ means the a/c will not come on.

Re: weird smell
 

right, and most likely it won't be needed in below freezing temperatures. right? by the way the smell is completely gone now.