How to fix really bad smell when turning heater?

 

I have the same problem except with my A/C

 

what kind of smell? burnt plastic/rubber or rotting animal? lol, be specific

 

mold?


you guys should change out the cabin air filter.

 

First of all thank you guys for replying. It smells like really strong vinegar......or maybe mold......

One of my friends told me to spray some Lysol products near passenger side under the hood.....but I refused to do it because to be honest with you guys I thought it would be dangerous and plus I really don't have car knowledge so.....

Please help me to get rid of these un-friendly smells off my car.....

Thanks guys

 

by the way i already have changed my cabin filter from Acura Dealer

 

It's not unsafe as long as you open all your windows. Be sure you don't have the climate control set to recirculate. Run the fan on high and use 1/3 of the can on vents, 1/3 on floor, and 1/3 on defrost.

I had to do this when I found a family of mice living in my ducts...It worked fine for me....

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...light=cat+food

 

a leaking heater core will also smell when the heater is being used.

 

also did it smell like dust or dirt or something burning, happens alot when you use your heat for the first time when winter rolls around, but should be gone in a day or two at MAX

you are more likely mold, and if indeed, only way to REALLY get rid of that smell is to pull out the evaporator, and dunk it some shit (not quite sure exactly what it is though) and then put it back in

like a sweet smeel for coolant

 

Thanks guys for helping me out!

I just have one more question to ask.....
Does antifreeze also affect bad smell when turning heater?

 

Because my car is at the dealership for service and they recommended to change antifreeze fluid.

They said the color of the fluid looked brownish...so...

Could it be the cause of the bad smell?

 

Unlikely, unless you have a leak in the heater core.

If you AF is brown, then I would have it changed out. Use only Honda Type II AF. You should consider adding the extreme cold weather Type II fluid.

But first, you may want to ask yourself why your fluid is brown.

What year and mileage is your TL?
Are you the original owner?
Has the fluid ever been changed? If so, are you certain that Honda Type II was added?

I'd also check your oil for any sign of water/AF contamination, i.e. foaming and/or milkiness in the oil. Could be a sign of a blown head gasket.

 

I would double check the filter. I was soo surprised at how dirty mine was. Do you smoke? I know sometimes in a "smokers" car the smoke gets trapped inside the vents, then when you put on the heater/AC the mixture of dust/smoke etc could be the smell. other than that I dont know. It cant be a dead animal bc your saying it smells liek mold. last option may be to get those air freshners that lock onto the vent opening.lol.. GL either way.

 

also i know on the earlier automatics, i think they had issues with the tranny cooler cross contaminating or something stupid, so OP don't forget to check the transmission fluid either