Chemical smell from heater vents

[R.Taylor]

Well, Been getting chilly here so I've been using the heater but after a few minutes a weird chemical like smell permeates the cabin and if you leave it on it gets stronger to the point that you have to shut it off and open the windows, Eyes and nose burn slightly. Something is outgassing or something does not like getting heated up. Last winter I didn't really use the heater, only the seat heat. The smell is somewhat like the "new car smell" but on steroids... Like 20x stronger than the NCS we are used to. I used the AC off and on throughout the summer, No problems with that. No problems with the heat temperature but the smell is bad. The last thing I want to do is bring it to the service department and have them tell me "it's cause it's a new vehicle" or some nonsense.... It's rather unpleasant and makes the heater not useable.

 

[DavidC]

Antifreeze ?

 

[R.Taylor]

Antifreeze ?

No.. more like new car mixed with burning electronics with a touch of toluene.

 

[Berrigan]

Well, Been getting chilly here so I've been using the heater but after a few minutes a weird chemical like smell permeates the cabin and if you leave it on it gets stronger to the point that you have to shut it off and open the windows, Eyes and nose burn slightly. Something is outgassing or something does not like getting heated up. Last winter I didn't really use the heater, only the seat heat. The smell is somewhat like the "new car smell" but on steroids... Like 20x stronger than the NCS we are used to. I used the AC off and on throughout the summer, No problems with that. No problems with the heat temperature but the smell is bad. The last thing I want to do is bring it to the service department and have them tell me "it's cause it's a new vehicle" or some nonsense.... It's rather unpleasant and makes the heater not useable.

Is the truck in regen? When in heat mode the truck is pulling all air from the outside. If in regen the odor is strong. In ac for the most part the air is recirculating. I notice strong smells from my truck too but only in the winter and only during regeneration just a thought. In

 

[Berrigan]

Is the truck in regen? When in heat mode the truck is pulling all air from the outside. If in regen the odor is strong. In ac for the most part the air is recirculating. I notice strong smells from my truck too but only in the winter and only during regeneration just a thought. In

Let me clarify, the odor would be more pronounced when stopped at a red light engine idling and exhaust getting pulled into the HVAC vents. The odor would get better or go away when the truck is moving down the road at least that’s been my experience.

 

[lpennock]

Exhaust manifold or EGR cooler leak?

 

[R.Taylor]

Recirculate is engaged, no outside air. Heat on only, not in "auto" mode. Not in regen but I'll pull up the screen and watch for one. Headed out now and I'll monkey with it a bit and report back.

 

[Tuesdak]

Check the usual suspects with an IR temp gun: blower motor resistor, blower motor, wiring esp. at connectors... And change the cabin air filter if equipped.

 

[DonFitzwater]

It's a regen. Mine has done it a couple of times and with these new trucks the regen is so smooth it's almost not detectable by sound or feel like previous trucks. The smell is the only way I know it's happening.

 

[dieselshadow]

It's a regen. Mine has done it a couple of times and with these new trucks the regen is so smooth it's almost not detectable by sound or feel like previous trucks. The smell is the only way I know it's happening.

I agree. It’s an interesting smell. But you shouldn’t be smelling it as you drive. Stopped, maybe. Windows down and stopped, even better chances. But windows up and rolling at speed you shouldn’t notice a thing.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I agree. It’s an interesting smell. But you shouldn’t be smelling it as you drive. Stopped, maybe. Windows down and stopped, even better chances. But windows up and rolling at speed you shouldn’t notice a thing.

I know, that's what everybody says but that's not been my experience. Every truck I've had makes my eyes water when in a regen...........Lucky me.

 

[HPSimpson]

It's a regen. Mine has done it a couple of times and with these new trucks the regen is so smooth it's almost not detectable by sound or feel like previous trucks. The smell is the only way I know it's happening.

Yep I have had that smell couple types when in regen.

 

[dieselshadow]

I know, that's what everybody says but that's not been my experience. Every truck I've had makes my eyes water when in a regen...........Lucky me.

While driving? I only smell that when I’ve gotten out while it’s running during a Regen or have just shut it down and caught a whiff. I’ve never smelled it in the cab.

 

[JR]

No.. more like new car mixed with burning electronics with a touch of toluene.

OK you piqued my interest....not many people know what Toluene is.

 

[DavidC]

OK you piqued my interest....not many people know what Toluene is.

Uh oh. To many regens and you will be driving a Dmax or Powerstroke

Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon composed of a benzene ring linked to one methyl group. Toluene is used a solvent or as a chemical intermediate in various industrial applications. Rapid inhalation of high concentrations of toluene can cause severe neurological complications.

 

[DonFitzwater]

While driving? I only smell that when I’ve gotten out while it’s running during a Regen or have just shut it down and caught a whiff. I’ve never smelled it in the cab.

Only in low speeds in town, never on the highway.

 

[Wiredawg]

With Recir on, spray Fabreeze directly into the vent. No Mo bad smell.

Cheers, Ron

 

[AH64ID]

I’ve never smelled a regen on mine. With the CTS2 I know when it’s in regen and I don’t smell a thing.

I’ve done one stationary regen too, and don’t recall a smell... other than my leg hair singing from 3’ away

As far as the OP’s issue, these trucks don’t do heat/cool like old trucks even out of auto. If it was a heat only issue you should have noticed it when the ambient temps went below the set temp.

 

[Wiredawg]

I’ve never smelled a regen on mine. With the CTS2 I know when it’s in regen and I don’t smell a thing.

I’ve done one stationary regen too, and don’t recall a smell... other than my leg hair singing from 3’ away

As far as the OP’s issue, these trucks don’t do heat/cool like old trucks even out of auto. If it was a heat only issue you should have noticed it when the ambient temps went below the set temp.

I've never smelled mine either... the only way I can tell if I'm having stationary or moving regen is also the trusty ole CST2.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Can't be a regen smell, the OP stated that he had the HVAC set to recirculate, so it is only pulling inside air.
My thought would be mildew or mold in the system causing the smell.