Exhaust smell

KHARDEN56

MEMBER
1999 FORD RANGER
6 CYL

I have a 99 Ford Ranger. When I am idling at a light with my air on and other cars are around me I smell exhaust. I do not smell it if there are no other cars around. It gets so strong that I have to turn my air off. It just started doing this a few weeks ago. I have never had this problem before and I bought the truck new. What could this be? Thanks

Monday, August 15th, 2011 AT 2:15 PM

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Check your exhaust system for leaks. Under the hood, under the vehicle.

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 AT 8:01 PM

KHARDEN56

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I don't smell anything when there are no other cars around. Wouldn't I smell it all the time if it was my exhaust?

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 AT 11:09 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Depends, If your ac is only cooling and circulating inside air. You shouldn't smell anything. The air on, somewhat pressurizes the cabin area.

With alot of cars around, the exhausts of several vehicles may not dissipate as quickly.

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Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 AT 1:24 PM

KHARDEN56

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3 POSTS

Thanks, since I won't be using the air much the rest of this year I will wait till spring and have someone really check it out. It is just strange that it started doing this out of the blue. I did just have the oil changed and a major tune up. I noticed it doing it after that but was told it would of had nothing to do with the issue. I have had this truck 12 years and it has been a good truck. If I can't resolve this either I won't have air in the summer or I will have to think about getting rid of it. Hate the thought of car payments again!

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Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 AT 4:41 PM

JDL