Q: I have a smell coming from under the hood when I turn the heater on.

asked by on November 30, 2016

I have a smell coming from under the hood when I turn the heater on. It's somewhat like a rubber smell. What could that be

My car has 57000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement $105.53 - $178.59 Get a Quote

Hi there. The smell would be the cabin air filter causing the odor to fumigate the area. Find the cabin air filter and replace the filter with a new one. Usually the filter is found in a trap door behind the glove box, which will have to be removed to replace the filter. If you need further assistance with replacing the cabin air filter, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I turn on and off the panic alarm?
The panic alarm is a security feature in your car. When the alarm is on, the horn will honk, the park lights will flash, and both the headlights and interior lights will illuminate. To turn on the panic alarm, simply...
What does the Anti-theft light mean on the dash?
Your car comes standard with a handy Anti-theft system called SecuriLock®. When you lock the doors and activate the Anti-theft system, the light will show in the dash. It should flash slowly, which indicates that the system is operating normally....
How do I turn on the daytime running lights?
The daytime running lights are low-power lights that can be useful to use during daytime driving, and will automatically adjust depending on how dark it is outside. To turn them on, rotate the light switch (located on the turn signal...
Advice on cleaning mildew from a '89 Buick that was covered for months
It doesn't matter how premium the cover is. It still holds moisture in, and that mold is growing on there. That is just the way that it goes. You can easily wipe it off with any kind of wax and...
Occasional hesitation and shaking, brakes engage randomly
Hello. I suggest to inspect two components for possible faults. It is possible that the accelerator pedal position sensor is improperly translating pedal position which will greatly impact the air-fuel ratio negatively which could cause a hesitation. I'd suggest getting help from a...
When do I replace my struts/shocks? They've never been replaced.
The suspension should be inspected at every regular service. You should only replace the struts and shocks if it's necessary. There is no set scheduled interval to replace them. They usually last 6 to 10 years in your case they...
I have a grinding noise when stationary in traffic from engine
Hi there. I would need to know what kind of vehicle this is in order to be able to give you the best information. Most of the time though when you get a grinding noise from the engine when the...
2011 bmw 328i making loud squealing noise under hood ahen driving.
Hi there. In most cases, when you hear a constant squealing noise while driving it's due to a serpentine belt that has become loose and need to be replaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement). It could be a different belt, pulley or the power...
Clunking noise when turning or going over bumps.
What you are describing sounds like a failing CV joint (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement). A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is a shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels, essentially transferring the power from the drive train directly to the wheels. The CV...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Evaporative Emission Control Canister
Common signs include the Check Engine Light coming on, raw fuel smell coming from the back of the car, and a collapsed or leaking fuel tank.
How Long Does a Heat Shield Last?
The The heat that is produced by the exhaust system of an engine is much higher than most people realize. With all of the vital and sensitive components that are on your engine, it is important to have the right...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Delaware in 2012
Delaware Delaware offers a variety of weather, which means drivers have to be prepared for both the mild and the treacherous. In previous years, the best-selling vehicles have included the Honda Civic, Accord and CR-V, along with the Toyota Camry....