2001 Dodge Dakota funny smell coming out of vents

kbkbranham · Posted at Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:37 am

Heater problem
2001 Dodge Dakota V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 103000 miles

when i turn the heat on in my truck a very stong wierd smell comes out of the vents even my 3 yearold son noticed it! idk how to describe it excatly but its verrrrry stong and kinda smells like chemicals.

Jacobandnickolas · Posted at Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:44 pm

Chances are you have a heater core leaking coolant. It can be a strong smell almost like dead fish / checmical smell. Check the carpet on the passanger side to see if it is wet.

Let me know. Also, have you had to add coolant? Keep in mind, this can be a very small leak with a large smell.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

kbkbranham · Posted at Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:20 pm

i looked and the floor board is not wet. is it possible it could be the exhaust? someone told me that but idk if they know wat they r talkin about, oh i have not needed to put coolant in it. there are no warning lights on or anything like that.

Jacobandnickolas · Posted at Sat Nov 21, 2009 8:51 pm

Chances are the leak isn't bad enough to leak into the passanger compartment. I'm very confident that it is the heater core. If you have an exhaust leak in the engine compartment, you would hear it.

I wish I was there because I could identify the smell in a second. If you could, take the car to parts store and have them smell it. CHances are they would know enough to identify it as coolant. If they can't, then I suggest taking it to a mechanic. I wouldn't think they would charge to you smell the car. At least I would hope they wouldn't.

Have that done and let me know what they tell you before you have them do any work. I have a 2000 and have had the same problem for 2 years now. It's bad when I first turn it on. I have been putting it off because it's a nightmare to replace. If you have AC, it system will need drained and parts removed then recharges when it's replaced.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
PS: I always leave my window cracked open for fresh air. I don't think too much of that smell is good for you.