Nasty Stank

[Klute]

First halfway cold morning @ 39 degrees. Turned on the heater for the drive to work and it smelled nasty, had to roll down the windows.

Is this normal, like the first time you run your furnace each year?

TIA

 

[RJS]

I would say No, it's not normal. I started using my heat in a 19 Laramie a couple of days back with no odors at all. I'd check the filter to see if anything got in or moldy to start making smells. Then also check to see if there is any accumulation of stuff in the air intake in the cowl. Somethings got to be somewhere causing this issue.

 

[TheMadDutchDude]

Mine had a smell to it... it’s normal. I believe it could be something to do with bacteria, but it’s nothing abnormal. A few hot cycles kills it off and you’re good to go.

All cars that my parents have ever owned did it for the first few times in winter, then it stops.

 

[Klute]

Mine had a smell to it... it’s normal. I believe it could be something to do with bacteria, but it’s nothing abnormal. A few hot cycles kills it off and you’re good to go.

All cars that my parents have ever owned did it for the first few times in winter, then it stops.

I'll probably still check the filter and cowl as RJS suggested, but probably run the heater on high with the windows open to 'burn off' whatever is there.

 

[RAMpage]

Sounds like my ex may have been in your truck.

Seriously though can't say I noticed any smell when turning the heat on in the truck the first time. Cabin air filter?

 

[TheMadDutchDude]

It all depends where you’re based. If you have lots of humidity, it’ll encourage growth. If you’re in dry heat, not so much. It’s normal and nothing to worry about.