Odor Problem

S

Stl_GT

New member
Hi guys,



I've hit a dead end on this particular problem so I'm turning to you all. I have a 2010 FX4 (F150) with only 5K on the dial. When it sits over night it develops a strong smell in the cabin, musty I guess you would call it. I took it to the dealer almost hoping for them to find mold on the heater core, no luck. When I turn the heat on, the smell resolves itself within minutes (which leads me to believe it's not a A/C or heat duct problem).



I've used shampoo on all the carpets and extracted with hot water, wiped every piece of plastic/rubber down with 303 with zero luck on my problem. I'm really at a lose as to what could be causing this or how to address it.



Any suggestions or guidance is greatly appreciated.
 
i have the same truck, and never had a problem like that. its still new so give it another 5k and see what happens(speaking blindfolded i have no idea how strong this scent is) thats weird a vehicle shouldnt EVER have one problem untill it hits at least 20k.

And you have done everything i would have. Sorry wish i could help
 
Thanks nushine.



Fish - That's my debacle I can't locate the source and I realize anything I try will simply be masking it. Two things today however, well actually three. First, I located a wet patch of carpet underneath my mat. Seems my weathertechs don't fit exactly right allowing water to seep down under the mat. I'm going to fix the mat and re shampoo that rug today. I also ran a a/c and heater disinfectant through the system and I'll leave the truck open tonight in the garage to air out. I highly doubt that was my problem, but just to be safe I went ahead with it. Third, when the sign at the car wash spray booth says the hot water is broken and it happens to be 15 degrees out...100% of the time your vehicle will end up encased in ice! Better than having salt all over it I guess.



I was reading another thread where an enzyme rug cleaner was used with success. I'll give that a go when I shampoo here in a bit.
 
2005GTPinMD said:
Does the truck have a cabin filter? If so make sure to change that, too.
Click to expand...



No air cabin filter in the truck, hopefully the work today will resolve the problem...although for some reason I doubt it.
 
When I first read your problem above, my immediate thought was.....water leakage.



Your wet carpet is the most probable issue.

If there's a water leak, the water would hv flowed down the metalwork, ended up on the lowest point on the floor, and soaked upwards through your master carpet. When you remove your mat, you see that damp patch on the master carpet.



The underneath of the master carpet is wet, and this area is shielded from sunlight.

Hence, you get that mouldy, mildew smell.

This cannot be completely 100% dried merely by wet vaccuming the top of the master carpet or parking out in the open. The moisture is trapped under the master carpet.



I recommend:

1. Removing seats, and then master carpet.

2. Clean the soiled/damp area of master carpet (top and bottom) with detergent, vaccum/extract the wetness.

3. Spray with an odour-busting product, or spray a fine mist of white vinegar.

4. Leave it to dry under the sun for a few days.
 
gigondaz - Thanks, I had thought the same thing. My only problem is it hasn't been above freezing in two months up here and we rarely see the sun this time of year so taking the carpet out for a good bake/dry is not an option. I did use a hair dryer yesterday and took off the step cover which gave me access to the under side of the wet carpet and hit it with the dryer as well.



I left my windows down last night and there was no smell this morning. I'm not ready to declare victory just yet, but's a step in the right direction. I'll leave the truck buttoned up this evening and see how it is tomorrow morning. Appreciate everyone's suggestions.
 
I've seen this happen before... and it ended poorly. The issue was that a plug was missing from the firewall which resulted in moisture leaking down the firewall and under the carpeting in the cabin. It only takes a small amount of water to create mold, and once it takes hold it can ruin the carpet and start premature rusting.



Did you have anyone work on your car at all? The car I saw it happen to had a stereo installed and when they were running the cabling for the amp the installer screwed up a firewall plug. If you have any aftermarket electronics I'd bet that the issue started then. It's also possible that the it came from the factory with a plug installed incorrectly or that it worked its way loose.



Unfortunately if that's the issue you might have to get the carpeting replaced.
 
Try Sopure spray, photocatalyst spray. works like drivepur, you can find it in famous webshop in Canada.
 
Well no dice, odor was still there this morning when I left the windows up last night. Seems I'm back to square one on this. The truck is new, well 2 months old and hasn't been touched by anyone other than me since driving it off the lot. I might drop it back off at the dealer and ask them to take the carpet up to have a look. The part I can't figure out is why the smell goes away literally within seconds of running the heater and only occurs when I park inside the garage. Wife car is also in the garage and doesn't have the odor so it's something on the truck.



I actually put it up on ramps tonight so I could look under the vehicle for roadkill or something like that, didn't see a thing. What a pain this is turning in to.
 
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