Bad smell from heater

MONTIPIE

MEMBER
2003 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
102,000 MILES

I have a 2003 Ford Focus. Recenty there is an oder coming from the heater like old oil burning or rubber burning. Any clue what this could be. It accurs when the fan is on and the car is stopped at a street light. It goes away when the car is moving. The head gasket does not have any leaks and the car runs great. Odometer is 102000 mi.

3 Replies

CCRAIN60

MEMBER
1 POST

In the last couple of months, we are experiencing a similar smell. I have used an Ozone air sanitizer along odor eliminator. I have lifted the Plastic pieces under the wipers and cleaned the area which included what I believe to be the air inlet to the cabin through the vents. It only masked the smell.

It ended up being the heater core leaking FYI

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Monday, July 30th, 2012 AT 10:26 PM

JAMES2479

MEMBER
1 POST
2000 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
96,000 MILES

I have a focus 1.8 tddi diesel with a foul smell coming from the heater do anyone no what the problem is.

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Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,383 POSTS

It will be a smell from the engine compartment or outside vehicle getting into the vehicle from air supply duct's .. do you smell anything under the hood ?? .. or your heater core has a hole in it and needs replacing and you can smell coolant/antifreeze .. check the carpet area under the dash to see if it's damp anywhere (both side footwells) ..