Heater output smells like a soldering iron?

[Montego Murph]

Hey all,

This is very strange. I noticed lately (This is the first winter with my 03) that when I have the heater cranked up, it smells a lot like a soldering iron. I have no other way to describe the scent, but those of you who have soldered know that "hot metallic" smell.

I realize that the heater core is made of metal and does indeed get hot -- however I've never noticed this before. Any ideas or is that just the way things are?

 

[Trumpet]

When's the last time the cabin filter was changed?

 

[TowMeOut]

Are you talking about "high" temperature or fan speed (or both)?

 

[HCWatson997]

Hey all,

This is very strange. I noticed lately (This is the first winter with my 03) that when I have the heater cranked up, it smells a lot like a soldering iron. I have no other way to describe the scent, but those of you who have soldered know that "hot metallic" smell.

I realize that the heater core is made of metal and does indeed get hot -- however I've never noticed this before. Any ideas or is that just the way things are?

Mine smelled like that for a few days when I got my exhaust installed this summer. Also had a super old cabin filter but didn’t notice the smell before the install

 

[Montego Murph]

Are you talking about "high" temperature or fan speed (or both)?

High temperature -- fan speed is not related, other than circulating said scent around the car faster.

Trumpet suggested I check the cabin filter. The one installed is "only" about 8 months old, but it's worth a check.

 

[Trumpet]

Also occurred to me on this mornings commute, if you have a exhaust leak into the cabin you can get 'that' smell.

Perhaps the seal or weather stripping is damaged around the rear hatch allowing exhaust in, or perhaps there's a crack in your headers allowing the same.

Just a thought.

Disclaimer: I solder for a living. Know that smell intimately.

 

[Montego Murph]

Also occurred to me on this mornings commute, if you have a exhaust leak into the cabin you can get 'that' smell.

Perhaps the seal or weather stripping is damaged around the rear hatch allowing exhaust in, or perhaps there's a crack in your headers allowing the same.
Just a thought.
Disclaimer: I solder for a living. Know that smell intimately.

Well, I do have the classic V8 "tick" noise... I wonder if that's it...

 

[Burt]

I had a Ford many years ago that started to vent a smell in the cabin.
Was the heater core. Not good... suggest inspecting the heater core.