Terrible smell coming from vents

APLOTT117

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2.2L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

I just bought this car. When I turn the AC or heat on, the smell of garbage, or dead animal rushes through the car. I got an oil change/courtesy inspection and they did not see a rodent anywhere they looked. I sprayed Lysol into the air intake and it helps a bit but I still smell it. Winter is around the corner and I would like to use my heat without the car smelling like it is a garbage truck. Please help. Thanks!

1 Reply

PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO

MECHANIC
1,853 POSTS

Well then, you might have had a rodent crawl into or chew through the duct work under the dash and die. How they got into the vehicle is another mystery but I suspect you should start dismantling the entire climate control duct work in search of whatever is causing the smell.
I do not have instructions for the ducts but most likely everything will be easier to get to with the instrument panel removed.
INSTRUMENT PANEL > Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove defroster grille and instrument panel end caps. On Cavalier, remove instrument panel trim pad. On Sunfire, remove accessory trim plate. On all models, remove instrument cluster trim plate.
2. Remove A/C-heater control panel and radio. Remove air ducts and disconnect glove box light electrical connector. Remove instrument panel from tie bar and remove instrument panel from vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure.

I did just find this for removing the air duct.
The floor air duct too.
And defrost duct.

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