Any body on here have any info on why I can smell the exhaust in side of the car ? Only after using my heavy foot. And also why it smells so bad. the 2011 we had also smelled bad, but didn't get into the cabin.

 

Yup. They do that. The HVAC system uses interior air exhaust flaps located up inside the rear fenders. When you nail it, particularly with one or more windows open the exhaust is drawn back into the exhaust vents and into the interior. Solution - if you're planning a lead foot run, close the windows and turn on the HVAC system with recirculation turned OFF. That way you'll pressurize the interior and prevent exhaust back flow. Just another well thought out design feature.

 

I can only smell it when it is on max a/c. If I turn of the max a/c the smell doesn't come in the cabin. Is there a fix for it? I am pretty sure exhaust in the cabin is not a good thing. Also how many other people are having this problem?
Maybe Ford could get behind this and find a fix for it.

 

On Max A/C you're not bringing in outside air so the interior isn't pressurized to keep the fumes out. Just a bad design, I guess, putting the interior exhaust vents in a high pressure area. As far as a fix goes, they're almost impossible to get to so I doubt there will be one. Remember in the days of power windows in the tailgate of things like Jeep Cherokees? The owners manual always warned not to drive with the glass down because of the exhaust infiltration. Same problem but because of the low pressure area behind the vehicle trapping the fumes.

 

I remember those days. I had 2 full size Broncos in the past. The back windows were always down. Never could tell about the exhaust smell. Mainly because the exhaust didn't smell so bad. I guess I need to bring it in. I hope they fix it. That's the car we drive when the kids are with.

 

I use Max A/C on a very limited basis as I like to bring outside air into the vehicle most all of the time and keep the interior pressurized. My vans used to have flip-open rear windows (eliminated years ago) and without a pressurized interior they would consistently draw in vehicle exhaust.

That is your issue--the normal operation mode for all vehicles does NOT involve recirculating interior air.

George

 

That's a great next step, 69satelite; come back and tell us what you find out. How many miles are on your Explorer? I want to do what I can to help as well.

Crystal

 

I haven't brought it in yet.
It has a little over 6000 miles.

 

Hi 69satelite,

Let's notify your regional customer service manager of the odor you're experiencing; I know they'd want to help out. PM me your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and servicing dealership. I'll get to work.

Crystal