Chemical smell when AC is running

[spicy_taco]

My car is relatively new (February). Whenever the AC runs (which has been not often due to it being winter) I've noticed a chemical smell. That smell isn't there when the heater is on.

The air is still cold when AC is on (i was thinking refrigerant leak) and that smell has been happening for at least one month now. I thought it was a "new car smell" bit it's not getting better. Has anyone noticed similar?

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[NewGuy]

Is it the windshield washer fluid? This car brings in the washer fluid smell more than any car I've owned before, and others have reported the same.

 

[Mach-Lee]

You can’t smell refrigerant. Could be “wet aluminum smell”, mold, outside scents, washer fluid, etc.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

You can’t smell refrigerant.

No. But you can huff Freon.

 

[HuntingPudel]

I think the odds are that it’s windshield washer fluid. ?‍?

 

[Mach1E]

My car is relatively new (February). Whenever the AC runs (which has been not often due to it being winter) I've noticed a chemical smell. That smell isn't there when the heater is on.

The air is still cold when AC is on (i was thinking refrigerant leak) and that smell has been happening for at least one month now. I thought it was a "new car smell" bit it's not getting better. Has anyone noticed similar?

Gonna have to use your nose to solve the riddle.

None of us could tell you what you’re smelling.

Open the hood and start sniffing around.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

My car is relatively new (February). Whenever the AC runs (which has been not often due to it being winter) I've noticed a chemical smell. That smell isn't there when the heater is on.

The air is still cold when AC is on (i was thinking refrigerant leak) and that smell has been happening for at least one month now. I thought it was a "new car smell" bit it's not getting better. Has anyone noticed similar?

Hey there! I can look into your odor concern if you send over a DM with your VIN and Ford dealer info.

 

[Logal727]

Definitely take it to your dealer, I'm sure they will investigate it heavily (this is sarcasm btw)

 

[Malacandra]

I am experiencing the same with my 2021 car, and it's a relatively new thing.

it's not the windshield fluid: that's very distinctive, and passes quickly after using the washer. This persists for quite a while… and is frankly somewhat nauseating.

I don't notice it on short jaunts, but it kicks in on longer trips - like after 45 minutes on the road - usually the first trip after I've just fully charged up… although I'm still trying to sort out the variables.

it's not a moldy or musky odor: it doesn't seem organic. More like acetone, although not that.

 

[Mach1E]

I am experiencing the same with my 2021 car, and it's a relatively new thing.

it's not the windshield fluid: that's very distinctive, and passes quickly after using the washer. This persists for quite a while… and is frankly somewhat nauseating.

I don't notice it on short jaunts, but it kicks in on longer trips - like after 45 minutes on the road - usually the first trip after I've just fully charged up… although I'm still trying to sort out the variables.

it's not a moldy or musky odor: it doesn't seem organic. More like acetone, although not that.

Try swapping out your interior air filter for a better one.

 

[spicy_taco]

Sorry, posted this right when I left for vacation. Now just got back.

The smell isn't constant. It comes and goes.
It's not moldy. It smells more like acetone.

I took off the caps for the coolants, brake, and window washer fluids. None of them resemble that weird smell exactly. WW fluid smells the strongest, but i don't use WW fluid.

I'll try to keep looking for a cause.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Sorry, posted this right when I left for vacation. Now just got back.

The smell isn't constant. It comes and goes.
It's not moldy. It smells more like acetone.

I took off the caps for the coolants, brake, and window washer fluids. None of them resemble that weird smell exactly. WW fluid smells the strongest, but i don't use WW fluid.

I'll try to keep looking for a cause.

You should make sure the smell isn't environmental, e.g. driving past a chemical factory or over a road that has a freshly applied sealant. Next time it happens you may want to roll down your window and sniff the breeze.

 

[spicy_taco]

You should make sure the smell isn't environmental, e.g. driving past a chemical factory or over a road that has a freshly applied sealant. Next time it happens you may want to roll down your window and sniff the breeze.

Yep the smell is very much emanating from somewhere on the car. Often when I open the door to get out after driving I get a very strong whiff of that odor immediately from the car frame (or perhaps from underneath it).

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