So just as the title says, I get a wierd smell when I turn my heat on and the needle isnt in the middle. I dont smell anything when the heat is off though. The smell reminds me a little bit of TB cleaner or gas/exhaust fumes at times. I know its not the fuel line that runs by the driver side door because i just had that changed a year or so ago.

Any ideas on this would be great. And if this is up anywhere else plz no one flame me and tell me to search, Im just lookin for help here. I cant figure out what this is. Thanks

 

you do know catalytic converters dont work until hot? could just be getting some of those fumes in the climate intake

 

Worth considering: I'd wager that having had the fuel line changed a year ago makes it more likely, rather than less likely, that it's the source of your smell.

 

catalyic isnt on the car, thats the way i bought it

 

its the charcoal canister, if u have one. its right below/next to the fuel filter.

 

Why did you resurrect a thread with a complete guess for a post?

You make an exacting statement which is supposed to solve this guy's problem. Then you predicate that with, "if you have one." Seriously? What evidence do you have that this "weird smell" is caused by the carbon canister? Better yet, how is it that a carbon canister would smell like anything other than fuel?

To the OP
Please do not flame you and tell you to search eh? Why do you not search and we would not have to tell you to? You can find help there; our opinions are not some magical phenomenon. Everyone is just looking for help. The real problem is you can't even articulate what the problem is. You do not even specify which gauge you are talking about. (Yes, I may know, but that does not solve the issue of you being inarticulate.)

You still have to give us more info if you want a definitive answer. Under which exact conditions does it happen vs not (AC?). Also you might want to include any maintenance that you have done.

Also have the consideration to answer back whether you found the issue or not and if so what it was. That way when noobs, unlike you, actually search, they can get help...

Lastly the information that you were given is correct. Perhaps not all that helpful, but correct. Oh, and put your cat back on.

 

Did someone have a bad morning or what?

He gave him an idea, a suggestion to check something.
Isn't that what these forums are for?

The canister could potentially be leaking fuel vapos into the engine compartment which could get sucked into the HVAC intake. So his response, suggestion makes complete sense.

 

No, someone had their grammar this morning. Re-read the post, "its the charcoal canister." I do not see the word: maybe, check, possibly, etc. Nothing was said that would indicate other than a statement of fact.

I would say the forums would steer closer to community, sound advice, and information.

The smell that he described did not denote any type of fuel smell. I would think someone who guessed TB cleaner could thus tell the difference between fuel vapor and otherwise.

I agree, suggestions are great. I might not have said anything if there was not such a high frequency of bad advice, people part swapping, and general acceptance of such. The post about EC fuses would be a great example. Someone stated the coils were surely the issue and the kid went out and bought 6 (not cheap even from the JY).

So no, I did not have a bad morning. I am actually feeling very helpful ATM TBH. If I come across as an ***, work on being less sensitive.

 

Wow. Ignorance. ANYWAYS, there is a hole in the flange by my muffler which could most likely be causing the smell. I'm gunna fix the exhaust and then go from there

 

I agree that you should fix any exhaust leaks you find for safety reasons-you don't want deadly and odorless carbon monoxide fumes leaking into the passenger compartment. Furthermore, your car would most likely pass a safety inspection, if the state you live in requires them. Pennsylvania requires them on an annual basis.

I too have experienced a similar odor in my 1996 Maxima GLE when the engine is cold. I don't smell it all the time, usually when the engine is very cold or if the car has been sitting idle for a while. I can't say for sure what could be causing it but I don't think it is being caused by an exhaust leak by the muffler. I had the entire exhaust system from the catalytic converter to the tailpipe replaced on my Maxima about 3 years ago and I sometimes still get that smell. Also, since the smell goes away after the engine is warmed up it seems likely that the odor is coming from somewhere other than the exhaust system.

I will try doing some research on this and will send you a post if I find something out. In the meantime if you find something please let me know.

 

^^ I will let you know, I should HOPEFULLY be getting it fixed next week if I get a decent check *crosses fingers*

 

Thanks. I hope it is nothing serious. I can relate to hoping for a decent check. I
also cross my fingers when payday rolls around. Fortunately it is also tax time and I am expecting a decent return.

Did you fix the exhaust hole you were talking about? I don't think that is the source of the smell but you definately want to take care of that for your own safety and that safety of your passengers. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled so it is a silent killer. If you can patch that yourself you can save some money. Just be sure the patch holds.

Good luck with fixing the odor problem and I look forward to hearing what it was. I definitely want to fix that problem on my car as soon as possible.

 

the charcoal canister is by the rear bumper on the left side not the engine compartment at least it is on my car. i own a maxima do you?

 

@maxrocket. The hole is RIGHT on the flange so there is no patching it unfortunatly, I have to replace the entire catback. For now I drive with the windows cracked so I don't die mid ride.

Ba-zing! Anywho, how would I check it? And how would I know if its bad

 

if your canister was bad you would probably get a code you would also notice a dramitic decrease in fuel mileage to check it a believe you need a scantool thats how i do it at least

 

Ok cuz Im not throwing any codes except for my KS