2001 Kia Rio sour chemical smell

2001 KIA RIO
89,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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LSWARTZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Two days ago, we charged the freon in the car, which had never been done before. We had gone all last summer with no air. The air worked and everything seemed fine. Last night, though, a really strong, sort of sour chemical smell started coming out of the vents, even with no air on. With heat or air on, the smell is stronger. It burns your throat. We thought there was a leak, but, a friend said the air wouldn't still be working if there was a freon leak. Can you please tell me what the smell is and how to fix it? The car is not drivable in this condition, even with the windows down.
May 8, 2010 at 5:53 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If the AC is still working, then chances are you are smelling coolant. THe heater core may be leaking. Check that and let me know what you find.
Oct 15, 2010 at 11:37 AM
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