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Menthol Smell? What does this mean?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Carrie Hall, Apr 14, 2015.

  1. Carrie Hall

    Carrie Hall New Member

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    This has been a recurring issue - for some reason it smells like menthol inside of the car (my partner hates the smell). This doesn't always occur while driving, in fact a short bit ago, I went into my car to get something and that smell was there (I did drive it today, but not for several hours).

    Does this indicate an issue or a leak?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Carrie Hall, Apr 14, 2015
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I wonder what hot coolant smells like?
     
    #2 JC91006, Apr 14, 2015
  3. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    i was thinking about the same thing. i had that issue in both subaru and corolla and it smelled more like ethyl alcohol than menthol, but was clearly aromatic. people talk about "sweet" smell, but I don't remember it that way.
     
    #3 Former Member 68813, Apr 14, 2015
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check your cabin filter.
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 14, 2015
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Since this is a 2013, are you still under warranty?
     
    #5 JC91006, Apr 14, 2015
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Or maybe you are a UBER driver and somebody played a joke on you by leaving tons of moth balls behind your seat
     
    #6 JC91006, Apr 14, 2015
  7. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    I would try a search under the seats, floor mats, etc. for the culprit. Maybe you'll find something innocent like a lost mint. At the least you might be able to pinpoint the location inside the cabin to help locate the source.

    Good luck.
     
    #7 KennyGS, Apr 14, 2015
  8. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    I was thinking a Chap Stick kind of product left in the car somewhere.
    A thorough inspection would be in order.......including under the hood.
    Mice can drag in some interesting things that smell really funny when they get hot.
     
    #8 Easy Rider 2, Apr 15, 2015
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is it eucalyptus?
     
    #9 bisco, Apr 15, 2015
  10. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    ...we can pretty much rule out mercaptan!
     
    #10 KK6PD, Apr 17, 2015
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