I have exhaust coming into the cabin via the air vents, and much more when the vehicle is stopped. Air filter or leak somewhere?
I have exhaust coming into the cabin via the air vents, and much more when the vehicle is stopped. Is the problem more likely to be a clogged air filter (I haven't had it cleaned / replaced before) or a leak in the exhaust system? Does the fact that it's stronger while stopped indicative of anything?
My car has 140000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The air filter is not a cause of the problem you are describing. Nevertheless, if the air filter has not been serviced as required be sure to change it as that filter is important. Sometimes wind conditions, not to mention other traffic, can be the source of exhaust odors in the cabin. However, if you suspect that the origin may be your own vehicle, due to a leak, please request an exhaust system inspection – suspected leak and the responding certified mechanic will get your concerns addressed. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Exhaust Fumes
If your AC smells like an exhaust pipe, then you could have a refrigerant leak. These leaks can not only be dangerous to your health, but they can also shorten your HVAC system`s lifespan.
Exhaust Leak
One of the most common reasons for exhaust fumes while driving is a leak somewhere in your exhaust system. This system should be sealed and tight at all points. If there is a hole somewhere that there shouldn`t be, this can lead to exhaust fumes seeping into the cabin of your vehicle.
The way the exhaust reaches the cabin of your car where you`re smelling it is through the vents. If exhaust fumes are floating around your car`s engine, the various vents out of your engine and into your car`s cabin will carry some of those fumes to the inside of your car.
This is most commonly caused by things like leaking fuel injectors, a clogged engine air filter, a bad mass airflow sensor, bad throttle body or bad oxygen sensor.
There`s an Air Leak Around the Vent
This is common and simple to fix. The solution: Stick your hand under the air vent and see if you can feel any air coming from the sides of the grate. If you feel air escaping, this is probably the cause of the excess moisture. All you need to do is caulk the leak to create a seal.
Many times, it is covered with a heat shield, but an exhaust manifold can leak in 3 areas – the mounting surface (gasket) where it joins the engine, the gasket where the downpipe, or catalytic converter attach, or the manifold itself can crack and cause a leak.
Vapor coming out of the AC vents in your car is usually the result of excess water that has built up inside the AC system. One possible cause is that the drain vent is plugged or water has built up in the heater box. In this situation, this water may condense and then be blown by the fan into the car.
Vapor coming out of the AC vents in your car is usually the result of excess water that has built up inside the AC system. One possible cause is that the drain vent is plugged or water has built up in the heater box. In this situation, this water may condense and then be blown by the fan into the car.
If the leak is in the engine bay due to a cracked exhaust manifold or exhaust leak, exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide can enter via the engine bay into the vehicle, or directly be drawn into the intake vent via a compromised rubber hood engine bay seal.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I have exhaust coming into the cabin via the air vents, and much more when the vehicle is stopped. Air filter or leak somewhere?
ANSWER : The air filter is not a cause of the problem you are describing. Nevertheless, if the air filter has not been serviced as required be sure to change it as that filter is important. Sometimes wind conditions, not to mention other traffic, can be the source of exhaust odors in the cabin. However, if you suspect that the origin may be your own vehicle, due to a leak, please request an exhaust system inspection – suspected leak and the responding certified mechanic will get your concerns addressed. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Cold mist/smoke like air comes out of the air vents when cold air is on.
ANSWER : If you are using regular outside air a/c instead of recirculated air you may be getting a large amount of outside air humidity and can cause a mist to come out of the a/c vents. You should make sure the a/c evaporator drain is cleared and drains freely or the water in the a/c cannot drain fast enough and the blower will pick up the water and blow it out the vents.
No air coming through any of the vents, defrost, etc.
ANSWER : It sounds like you may have got something stuck in the blower for the A/C. The blower may be blocked or may have burned up. Have the blower removed and tested and checked for a problem. You may have something caught in the motor causing it to lock up. I have seen paper, pens, and even rodents. I know it sounds weird but it happens. It can also just be a blower resistor and blower motor. To have the fault pinpointed in person, a certified mechanic from YourMechanic can take a look at your car to diagnose your AC issue and squealing sound that you are hearing.
Does a 2014 Lexus RX 350 need to have a service of new cabin air filter and engine air filter at 17,000 miles
ANSWER : Hi there. If you regularly park your car under a tree or near bushes, or live in desert areas the cabin air filter(s) will likely suck up debris and leaves, becoming dirtier, faster. It’s recommended to have this component replaced every 30,000 miles or every two years. The tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles – regardless of age; to ensure proper wear. If your dealership offers that service FREE, i’d take advantage of the tire rotation. If you’re a Costco member, they can complete the rotation as well for no charge. One of our [mobile mechanics can come to your location and complete the cabin air filter replacement if you’d like.
Driver having trouble finding cabin filter & air filter
ANSWER : After a quick search it seems there are a few options available online. The vehicle service manual much like the ones the technicians at the dealership are available for purchase online. For the best results, inquire for an official copy from the dealership. You could also try to turn to videos to see if you can find visuals for tooling with the cabin and air filters. If you decide that you’d rather have this service taken care of for you, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to replace the cabin and air filter at your home or office.
air conditioner not blowing air from dash vents, but blowing air from side vents
ANSWER : A few different items can cause the air to not blow out of the dash vents. The most common are a blend door or a control switch. The best method for the AC diagnosis feature can be found in the vehicles owners manual. I recommend having your AC checked by a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to have the problem diagnosed and repaired correctly.
A/C only blows hot. New cabin air filter, expansion valve, ac compressor & condenser. Leak test was good. Lowside holds pressure.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a condenser fan that may not be cooling the AC condenser properly. As the AC condenser fan cools down the AC condenser as it generates a lot of heat during the course of its primary function, which is to convert the AC gas refrigerant into a liquid form, a process that generates a significant amount of heat. As the AC condenser fan blows cool air across the condenser, this allows the condenser to remain cool, keeping the pressure down in the AC system which helps to generate cooler air. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.
It sounds like you may have a condenser fan that may not be cooling the AC condenser properly. As the AC condenser fan cools down the AC condenser as it generates a lot of heat during the course of its primary function, which is to convert the AC gas refrigerant into a liquid form, a process that generates a significant amount of heat. As the AC condenser fan blows cool air across the condenser, this allows the condenser to remain cool, keeping the pressure down in the AC system which helps to generate cooler air. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.
Is there vibrations and humming that gets louder when speed is increased then stops when vehicle stops a wheel bearing problem
ANSWER : From what you describe it is the front wheel bearings in the front hubs that need replaced. You should also check the tires for uneven wear and need for tire rotation or alignment issues causing uneven tire wear.
