Interior smells horrible, HELP!

TN Titan 09 · 05-06-2009, 08:10 AM

I recently bought an 06 titan and the interior smells horrible. Smells musty. I can't seem to find the source. I have smelled everywhere in the truck and can't pinpoint the source. I have opened up a odor absorbing disc, sprinkled baking soda, sprayed odor eliminator, aired out the vehicle, vaccumed it out and the carpet and upholstery was cleaned before I bought it. It has been raining for several days and there is no sign of moisture anywhere. I'm out of ideas, anyone got any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Just-in · 05-06-2009, 08:16 AM

might be in the dutcwork... cabin airfilters?

**Blackbeauty** · 05-06-2009, 08:16 AM

It's most likely in the vents.... Residual moisture from the condensor can accumulate and cause mold and mildew in the intake vents... There are some spray cleaners to rid the vents of the mold, but you'll probably need an air purifier/Ionizer like this to get the smell out afterwards:

UV Air Purifiers Ionic Electronic Air Cleaners UV Ionizers Ozone Generator HEPA Systems Home Air Cleaner Purifier Filters

**Carbeaux** · 05-06-2009, 08:18 AM

Could be one of the ones that had the AC drain not working properly, therefore dumping that moisture on the pasenger floorboard. Even if it's not wet now, just high humidity could be making it smell.

TN Titan 09 · 05-06-2009, 08:19 AM

I didn't notice any odors when smelling the vents and I smelled around the cabin filter and it didn't seem to have an odor either. Maybe in the duct work and just can't smell it directly?

**Carbeaux** · 05-06-2009, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN Titan 09

I didn't notice any odors when smelling the vents and I smelled around the cabin filter and it didn't seem to have an odor either. Maybe in the duct work and just can't smell it directly?

Mine gets a mildew smell if it sits for a while. Then when I get back in it and turn the AC on, that's when I smell it. I don't smell it right when I get in, only when the AC is on. After a few days of daily driving the truck again, it goes away.

**Blackbeauty** · 05-06-2009, 08:23 AM

Usually only smells when the A/C or heat is turned on....

TN Titan 09 · 05-06-2009, 08:25 AM

This smell lingers all the time. As soon as i open the door I can smell it. I think it actually helps to turn the air on, kind of muffles the stinch.

**Blackbeauty** · 05-06-2009, 08:26 AM

Air Ionizer... Period....

bestatchess · 05-06-2009, 08:29 AM

check the padding under the front passenger side carpet

**Irish125** · 05-06-2009, 08:32 AM

Coffee grinds can work to absorb and eliminate odors as well. You could even choose a flavor of choice. I have used them before to remove the vomit smell from my ex's brand new car when she decided to lean in and not out.

TN Titan 09 · 05-06-2009, 08:34 AM

Will do. Thanks guys.

MikeG · 05-06-2009, 08:47 AM

I had a Chevy a few years ago that did the same thing. The dealer told me to run the heater through all the vents for about 10 minutes. That fixed my problems.

TN Titan 09 · 05-11-2009, 06:39 AM

To update this thread, I tried the coffee grounds. It covered it up but ultimately made it stink worse. I decided to have truck professionally detailed, inside and out. The truck looked great when it was done. But...still had a small hint of funky odor. I hooked up a dehumidifer in the truck and let it run for several hours. it pulled out about 2 cups of water and since has smelled much better. The smell now is of the cheap shampoo the original dealer used to clean it out. Now I am trying to get rid of it. The dehumidifer worked wonders though. It was actually my wifes idea

After I get rid of the rest of the smell I will update. I found a solution called Force Out on the internet, claims to get rid of any odor. Wonder if it works?

BobNYC · 05-11-2009, 07:09 AM

I'd still check the A/C drain if you haven't already. That is a common problem and can lead to the musty smell.