Foul odor coming from vents?

Tiny
DALE1977
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 FORD F-150
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
How or is there a simple way to get in the vent system on my truck listed above xlt super crew cab?
Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 6:17 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Mice absolutely love the blower motor area of the HVAC system, I guess it makes a nice nesting area and the warmth of the heater core is nearby, but they love it! I've included instructions on how to remove the blower motor. This is where I would start.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:00 AM
Tiny
LGEE3REE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,500 MILES
The past couple of weeks I have noticed a burnt candy smell coming from under my truck after I stop and turn it off. It is not leaking any fluids and it isn't anti freeze either. (which is more of a burnt almond smell). I also hear drips onto metal with a hissing sound which I am sure is the AC evaporator condensation dripping.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/418121_4_1.jpg

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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Make sure there is nothing that kicked up on the converter and melted. I had a burnt rubber smell for about a week I couldn't figure it out. Then I realized it was from a plastic bag that melted to the converter. It was hard to see it because of how badly it melted.
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARRIE SUE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
2002 ford lariet, antifreeze smell in cab, smoke from defroster but it gets warm, heater works, antifreeze disappears, no wet area on floor board, temp gage does not register hot, what should I check first, I dont have money to go to shop.
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
There will probably be a small leak in the heater core, a cooling system pressure test will prove this, if you can't afford to fix it for now, you can by-pall the heater by looping out the heater hoses.

Mark (mhpautos)
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+1
Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
COWGRLX05
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
I own a f-150 4x4 5.4L, 185000 miles. A few months ago my service engine light came on. My mechanic said it was more than likely a sensor that went out because my truck wasn't running any different. Two weeks ago, my heater quit working. Now, last night I noticed a strong coolant smell in my cab, and when I turn on the air the smell gets stronger. My truck is running fine no problems other than the coolant smell an the fact Im freezing to death with no heater. My biggest concern is, IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE?
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FISHERMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 937 POSTS
Hello !

Check the heater core, could be blown, Check under the dashboard on the passenger side for coolant leaking.

That`s where the heater core is and if is leaking you have to replace it because you`re going to have a loss of antifreeze on your radiator and your car its going to overheat.

Could be just a hose. But. Better to be sure.

Good Luck!
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KARMA1005
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 179,000 MILES
We just noticed a sweet smell coming out of the vents when we have the heater on. Is there a way to tell if we need to replace the heater core or if it is something simpler?
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

This is sounding like a leaking heater core, you can get a cooling system pressure test done with the heater on, this should prove it one way or the other, but I would be fairly sure that this is what has gone wrong.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KARMA1005
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks, we will do that!
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 3:16 PM (Merged)

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