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Odor Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Safari and 2002 Chevrolet Astro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Definition: Odor originating or noticed through the HVAC system.
  1. Were you sent here from SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS  or another diagnostic table? If so, go to next step. If not, see TROUBLE SHOOTING .
  2. Sit inside the vehicle. Close all of the doors and windows. Start the engine. Allow the engine idle at normal operating temperature. Select the maximum blower speed. Select the VENT mode. Select the coldest temperature setting. Cycle through all of the blower speeds, modes and temperatures to define what type of odor is present. Musty smell. Coolant smell. Oil smell. Does the odor have a musty smell? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  8.
  3. Inspect the HVAC evaporator core filter (on evaporator core) and the air inlet grille for debris. Is any debris present? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  5.
  4. Remove any debris. After removal, go to  15.
  5. Inspect for wet carpeting. If the carpet wet, go to next step. If not, go to step  8.
  6. Inspect for water leaks around the windshield, blockage of the HVAC module drain or leaks around the door seals. Is a leak present? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  15.
  7. Repair the leak as necessary. After repairs are complete, go to step  15.
  8. Does the odor have a coolant smell? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  12.
  9. Pressure test cooling system for leaks. Is a leak present? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  12.
  10. Inspect for coolant leaking inside the vehicle or for a film build-up on the windshield. Is the condition present? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  15.
  11. Replace the appropriate heater core. See HEATER CORE (AUXILIARY)  or HEATER CORE (FRONT)  in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs are complete, go to step  15.
  12. Does the odor have an oily smell? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  15.
  13. Inspect the engine compartment for any leaks. Repair any oil leaks. See appropriate ENGINE, TRANSMISSION or STEERING article. After repairs are complete, go to step  15.
  14. A musty odor can be caused by mold or mildew build up on the evaporator or the heater core or inside of the HVAC module. See bulletin TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN . After repairs, go to next step.
  15. Operate the system in order to verify the repair. If system operates normally, repair is complete. If system still malfunctions, return to step  2.
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