Interior Odor

[kdn11270]

Hello I am new to this forum and desperately seeking help. I have a 2002 GMC Sierra. I take great care of the vehicle. I keep it very clean and maintain it very well. Within the last few months the interior has developed a strong moldy odor. The vehicle has never been damaged by water nor is there any leaks that I know of. Every thing seems dry. I have no clue where this is coming from or how to stop it. The odor has become unbareable and even kills the scent of air freshners. Does anybody have any kind of help or advice for me. Thanks.

[carneyman]

My first guess would be its leaking somewhere...probably under the carpet. If thats the case, then that means theres probably rust. I would pull up your carpet and see what it looks like underneath.

[kdn11270]

I hope not. If I cant get rid if the odor I am gonna trade it in. The truck is in like new shape bu the smell is making me sick..

[carneyman]

Where do you live? Up north (as in salted streets in the winter)? Rainy climate? Also, it could be your a/c...sometimes those can make an awful smell.

[kdn11270]

NW Indiana. The smell hits you right when you open the door. And I mean its super strong. Salt is always used in the winter.

[carneyman]

So you are pretty sure its a mold smell and something didnt crawl up in there and die? That happens all the time in our grain/water trucks. Luckily we are able to take a hose and wash the insides out.

[GM-Tech]

Wet padding under the carpet eventually develops a most horrific odor. The bad ones will just about knock you over from 10 feet away if the dooors are open.

 

Padding that is wet but not soaked will not show up on top of the carpeting. It may feel perfectly dry on top but be wet underneath. Pulling the carpeting up is the only way to know for sure.

[jtupper]

I had a Ford Expedition that had this problem. Turned out the drain for the rear AC system was clogged and the drainage was backing up into the rear compartment. As GM-Tech stated, the carpet felt dry on top, but the padding underneath ewas soaked. I pulled it out and let it dry for a few days and the odor went away.