Outdoor smell thru the A/C Vents

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garlandyukon

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I usually have my A/C on Auto but then when I’m behind a diesel vehicle I can smell the diesel fumes inside my SUV, so then I push the recirculating air button to close the vents but it seems like that doesn't solve the smell issue. If I stay behind the diesel vehicle it seems to still creep in. I took it to the dealer and they said there is nothing wrong with the A/C system. Has this happened to anyone else or is my nose very sensitive?
 

smittydog

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I believe the cabin filter is for particulates, not odor. It's a general filter.

I notice the diesel smell when I am right behind one. I usually back off (takes a few for the smell to go away).

Now, that being said, when I know I am going to be going thru a smelly area, I press the recirculate button and then I am using cabin air. No smells come thru (same with diesel, but you have to hit recirculate button before you smell it) If the smell is already in the cabin, your stuck with it. (crack a couple of windows and it will be sucked out).

So, when I go to WV on the expressway, we pass a landfill. If I don't hit the recirculate button before I get to the area, I smell garbage for a few miles. Nasty...
If I do hit the button before we get to the landfill area, I am good to go. We are just using cabin air and not outside air.

Hope this helps..
Steve
 

OR VietVet

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Since this is in the 2015+ section, is there even a cabin air filter? By the way, I agree, if the smell is in there before the recirc button is pushed then to get that out the windows need to be opened for a ways.
 

smittydog

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Cabin filter is behind the glove box. Have to open GB and take the screws out to remove the GB assembly. Remove the cover (behind the GB assembly) and remove/replace filter.

Just a particulate filter, not a freshener. I think Fram makes one that is scented.
 

OR VietVet

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I know my 02 AV had cabin filters and then they went away for a few years and are now back then, I guess.
 

Qwest

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It's not just you. Just got A 2015 Tahoe LT. This seems to be an issue. Don't know if the recirculate function is just broken or the vehicle has an air leak somewhere.

Was taking my daughter to karate, drove by an area with a dead skunk. Smell filled the cabin. Ok, fine, opened a window down the road and aired it out. On the way back, as soon as I started the vehicle and drove a few feet I hit the recirculate button. Everything smelled fine. Drove by the skunk smell area, smell filled the cabin again exactly like before.

Double checked and made sure the recirculate button light was on. Air/smells are definitely getting through.
 

Denali16

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This is an issue on my truck as well. If there aren't any service bulletins I guess the complaining to the dealer will start.
 

rattmobbins

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I'd assume you can replace the factory cabin air filter with a filter that uses charcoal. That'll help with the smells but I don't think I've ever owned a vehicle that eliminated every single outside smell. It's just not possible unless you're dropping $300k on a Rolls or Bentley.
 

Goodinblack

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Fram makes a baking soda version .. it takes me effort for the air to move through the filter so the fans works harder.

When you hit recirculation button it does not mean the 100% air is recirculating. More like 90%.

Outside air is still blended to keep the evaporator core for freezing IIRC

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 

Denali16

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I agree some air will get in but driving through the car wash with my 2010 tundra doesn't bring in all the soapy smells from the carwash. I drive through with the Denali and all I smell is the soap. My toyota is not a Bentley.
 

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