In cabin smell, with a twist
11-11-2010, 08:40 PM
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 9
In cabin smell, with a twist
Hi, I have recently purchased a 2002 A4 B6 1.8t.
I have this smell (not very strong but quite noticeable) in the cabin.
I thought at first that it would be from the engine compartment, but it didn't quite smell like exhaust.
After smelling here and there, I believe (this is my best guess at the moment) that it comes from the battery.
It is almost a burnt smell, not too strong, and what I can smell around the battery is extremely likely what I smell in the cabin.
I still have the filter in, my battery cover is missing a corner although 85% of it (at least) is there.
It looks like there is no separation between the battery itself and the area where it appears the filter is sucking air into the cabin.
If you have any insight, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Giovanni
I have this smell (not very strong but quite noticeable) in the cabin.
I thought at first that it would be from the engine compartment, but it didn't quite smell like exhaust.
After smelling here and there, I believe (this is my best guess at the moment) that it comes from the battery.
It is almost a burnt smell, not too strong, and what I can smell around the battery is extremely likely what I smell in the cabin.
I still have the filter in, my battery cover is missing a corner although 85% of it (at least) is there.
It looks like there is no separation between the battery itself and the area where it appears the filter is sucking air into the cabin.
If you have any insight, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Giovanni
11-11-2010, 09:59 PM
#2
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 118
Re: In cabin smell, with a twist
Hey,
It wouldn't by chance kind of smell like rotten eggs now would it? My catalytic converters are shot and that's the smell that emits from them. Either that or you're having some misfiring issues and the unburned gas makes its way into the cat, causing that same foul smell. If in fact it is coming from your battery, they do emit a sulfur like smell if there's a cell or more that have dried. If possible pry off the caps and check the water levels of all the cells and top up if needed. Some "maintenance-free" batteries can still be opened and water added. If adding water, make sure not to over fill any of the cells and use only distilled water. 2 more cents, lol.
Leonard
It wouldn't by chance kind of smell like rotten eggs now would it? My catalytic converters are shot and that's the smell that emits from them. Either that or you're having some misfiring issues and the unburned gas makes its way into the cat, causing that same foul smell. If in fact it is coming from your battery, they do emit a sulfur like smell if there's a cell or more that have dried. If possible pry off the caps and check the water levels of all the cells and top up if needed. Some "maintenance-free" batteries can still be opened and water added. If adding water, make sure not to over fill any of the cells and use only distilled water. 2 more cents, lol.
Leonard
11-11-2010, 10:38 PM
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 9
Re: In cabin smell, with a twist
Hey,
It wouldn't by chance kind of smell like rotten eggs now would it? My catalytic converters are shot and that's the smell that emits from them. Either that or you're having some misfiring issues and the unburned gas makes its way into the cat, causing that same foul smell. If in fact it is coming from your battery, they do emit a sulfur like smell if there's a cell or more that have dried. If possible pry off the caps and check the water levels of all the cells and top up if needed. Some "maintenance-free" batteries can still be opened and water added. If adding water, make sure not to over fill any of the cells and use only distilled water. 2 more cents, lol.
Leonard
It wouldn't by chance kind of smell like rotten eggs now would it? My catalytic converters are shot and that's the smell that emits from them. Either that or you're having some misfiring issues and the unburned gas makes its way into the cat, causing that same foul smell. If in fact it is coming from your battery, they do emit a sulfur like smell if there's a cell or more that have dried. If possible pry off the caps and check the water levels of all the cells and top up if needed. Some "maintenance-free" batteries can still be opened and water added. If adding water, make sure not to over fill any of the cells and use only distilled water. 2 more cents, lol.
Leonard
It is not smell like rotten eggs. It is very close to an electrical (sort of burnt) smell. I have originally mistaken it for exhaust, but after a second analysis, it clearly isn't.
Also, it is not oil smell.
The battery is not serviceable. I understand that it could be also opened, I can look into it.
What I find very puzzling is the fact that the battery is venting in the area where the in cabin filter is. It is a known fact that battery gasses are toxic and should not be inhaled. this entire setup seems to be pretty strange.
Somebody in another forum said that there is a venting hose. I can't see it though.
I looked at it tonight and I'll try to have a better look tomorrow.
Last edited by gio64; 11-11-2010 at 10:48 PM.
11-12-2010, 03:15 PM
#4
Audi Forum - Posts like a Q5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 531
Re: In cabin smell, with a twist
In case it is acid that you smell, than all metal parts in the car would be covered in white residue. Also you would have severe cough after driving. Do you have these symptoms?
In case you do replace battery at once.
The place for the battery is strange but they did not have a choice. It was under the back seat on my AUDI 5000 and it took me 2 weeks to find it.
Take a look at your fuses - one of them will be half burned and it will tell you what it is.
In case you do replace battery at once.
The place for the battery is strange but they did not have a choice. It was under the back seat on my AUDI 5000 and it took me 2 weeks to find it.
Take a look at your fuses - one of them will be half burned and it will tell you what it is.
11-12-2010, 03:23 PM
#5
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
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Re: In cabin smell, with a twist
In case it is acid that you smell, than all metal parts in the car would be covered in white residue. Also you would have severe cough after driving. Do you have these symptoms?
In case you do replace battery at once.
The place for the battery is strange but they did not have a choice. It was under the back seat on my AUDI 5000 and it took me 2 weeks to find it.
Take a look at your fuses - one of them will be half burned and it will tell you what it is.
In case you do replace battery at once.
The place for the battery is strange but they did not have a choice. It was under the back seat on my AUDI 5000 and it took me 2 weeks to find it.
Take a look at your fuses - one of them will be half burned and it will tell you what it is.
No, that's not what I smell. It is literally a smell of warm electrical circuits and it is definitely coming from the battery.
Somebody asked me in another forum to find out if the drain hose had been reinstalled after changing the battery. I have no idea where the hose is. I looked and there is no trace of it. Also, I don't understand how the battery is held down in its place... There doesn't seem to be anything holding it down?
11-12-2010, 03:33 PM
#6
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 531
Re: In cabin smell, with a twist
Thanks for the input.
No, that's not what I smell. It is literally a smell of warm electrical circuits and it is definitely coming from the battery.
Somebody asked me in another forum to find out if the drain hose had been reinstalled after changing the battery. I have no idea where the hose is. I looked and there is no trace of it. Also, I don't understand how the battery is held down in its place... There doesn't seem to be anything holding it down?
No, that's not what I smell. It is literally a smell of warm electrical circuits and it is definitely coming from the battery.
Somebody asked me in another forum to find out if the drain hose had been reinstalled after changing the battery. I have no idea where the hose is. I looked and there is no trace of it. Also, I don't understand how the battery is held down in its place... There doesn't seem to be anything holding it down?
I buy my batteries at Walmart HA HA HA... once every 3 years. They are cheap and very reliable. I also buy the biggest one that will fit.
After 3 years batteries are covered in sulphite inside and they are as good as trash.
Is there a handle on your battery? - This handle vibrates and may damage either right or left cell.
I recommend cutting off the handle completely with metal scissors.
Last edited by adamstasiak; 11-12-2010 at 03:43 PM.
11-12-2010, 07:16 PM
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 9
Re: In cabin smell, with a twist
I believe I found the hose. it looks like it goes somewhere towards the driver side, though...
The battery has two handles that tuck down neatly around the raised areas close to both the posts.
There is no sulphite around the battery.
I have a 1993 Mazda RX7 and I was having problem with that on that car and the battery died and was consequently replaced. By the looks of it, this battery is pretty new. It is clean and shiny and the posts, like I said, are very clean.
The battery has two handles that tuck down neatly around the raised areas close to both the posts.
There is no sulphite around the battery.
I have a 1993 Mazda RX7 and I was having problem with that on that car and the battery died and was consequently replaced. By the looks of it, this battery is pretty new. It is clean and shiny and the posts, like I said, are very clean.
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