Odor while using heater - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

90 GP · 02-07-2005, 04:29 AM

While using heater in my 90 toy corolla (45,000 miles) I noticed an acrid odor coming from vents. Getting good heat from unit and no fogging of windows. I later found that a black oil like substance had dripped from blower resistor housing to floor mat. I took out resistor and it appears intact but found more oil inside of housing where resistor is located. Where is this oil coming from? I used A/C in summer and it seemed to work fine as well. Is this a common problem with this car? Any thoughts and estimates on cost to repair would be appreciated.

Flashmn · 02-07-2005, 08:31 AM

Might be a blown heatercore... :P

JDLugtu · 02-07-2005, 08:12 PM

sounds like something I came across...my friend and my mom both have 2003 corolla's and I find that when using the heater in winter give's off a rotten egg smell.

However I have a 03 corolla as well but I've yet to experience it with my car (knock on wood) I don't know if its just cause it doesn't have any a/c or anything but I wouldn't think that it would have to do anything with that since its the heater.

My friend said it almost smells like a batter discharge smell...??? smells like rotten eggs to me haha.

what i find the heater works fine and everything but the smell only last for about 3 mins. and that the smell only really happened when the car was still cold (10 mins into a drive). I dont' know if it has to do anything with pushing the car to hard while its still cold or not, but I've seen it happen.

I don't think I helped haha, but I have a good idea of what your talking about. If i come across anything, i'll let you know.

majortom1981 · 02-08-2005, 11:34 AM

i was told that the gas has a lot to do with it. Try getting gas from a different gas station.

Ukrainian102 · 02-08-2005, 03:54 PM

Yea but the thick oil-like substance can't be due to bad gasoline.

Apo11o · 02-09-2005, 12:15 PM

Hey i had this (kinda) on my 88, my spedometer cable was leaking fluid onto my lower driver side vent causing a bad smell and dripping fluid on my brake pedal (very bad when slamming on breaks), you just need to replace the o-ring that seals the cable... if thats the cause of the problem.

90 GP · 02-09-2005, 03:54 PM

I checked around and found that if the antifreeze sits long enough in the heater case (as in a slow leak) it indeed can turn black. The smell is similar to antifreeze. Anyway it goes to my mechanic at the end of the month to have heater core replaced. It is a major job that requires entire dash to be taken off to access it. Thanks again for all the replies and suggestions.