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Propane like smell coming from vents


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verge2001
New User

Apr 30, 2009, 5:02 PM

Post #1 of 5 (11101 views)
Propane like smell coming from vents Sign In

2007 GMC Envoy Denali 8cyl. 60,000 miles
There is a distinctive Propane like smell coming from vents...additionally, truck was driven in 4wd for about an hour, didn't notice until I turned into a gas station and it felt like the brakes were on. HELP!


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Apr 30, 2009, 7:46 PM

Post #2 of 5 (11089 views)
Re: Propane like smell coming from vents Sign In

Could be mold or midew coming from the evap....

Gm has a couple TSB's out concerning odors

00-00-89-027E & 99-01-39-004B.

You should try get the evap cleaned 1st. Any shop that does a/c work should be able to handle the job..


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 1, 2009, 3:44 AM

Post #3 of 5 (11085 views)
Re: Propane like smell coming from vents Sign In

You need to be a little careful there. Some unscrupulous mechanics and car owners were actually substituting propane for refrigerant and a leaky evaporator could lead to an explosion although it would really surprise me to see that happen on a 2007 vehicle.
The air conditioner can be picking up any kind of smell from outside the vehicle. Oil leaking on to the exhaust and smelling is not unusual.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

May 1, 2009, 8:42 AM

Post #4 of 5 (11074 views)
Re: Propane like smell coming from vents Sign In

Also could be grease burning smell from driving with the front axle engaged.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


flgmtech1
User

May 1, 2009, 11:51 AM

Post #5 of 5 (11069 views)
Re: Propane like smell coming from vents Sign In

Recommend inspecting entire under chassis area for any leaks, also as previously recommended cleaning the A/C evap case can rid the evap core of any mildew or mold spore growth, however that generally has a musty odor associated with it. You can also open your hood and using a 50/50 mix of water and baby shampoo clean the entire engine compartment including the engine itself soaking with water and baby shampoo mix, and then using a garden hose with out a spray nozzle only the normal flow of the water not a jet or forced spray rinse off entire compartment, this will also fall downward rinsing any foreign material on your exhaust and your front differential and ensure to run for about 5 minutes over the base of the windshield cowl where the fresh air intake for the HVAC system vents are located, this will ensure that any bacterial growth there is washed away as much as possible, you could also use a small amount of bleach at this stage like 2 capfuls added to the mixture of baby shampoo and water.
After you after you are done, leave the hood up, start the vehicle turning the A/C on do not place in Recirc leave it in fresh air intake open all the windows and low to medium fan for about 15 minutes top dry out any residual moisture. Then shut the vehicle off and I recommend with the hood still up using baby powder sift small amount into the cowl area at the base of the windshield on the outside of the vehicle. Then start the car again with the A/C in fresh air and fan on low or low2, then test drive the vehicle and see if the smell is gone, if not I recommend going to a repair facility to raise the vehicle on a lift to inspect the under chassis and see if the source can be located.






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