Questions and Answers

Nissan Altima Exhaust Gas Entering Car Q. Hi, I have a 1997 Nissan Altima GXE. I am having an exhaust smell in the cabin problem. When I am using the windshield defogger, hot or cold air, a smell of exhaust is coming in. I have tried to cover the vents that are located in front of the windshield outside, but the smell is still coming in.

Can you please help me locate where the outside air is coming into the car? I am not able to locate the exhaust leak at this time, so I want to keep the smell from coming into the car.

Thanks in advance...

A. Rather then curing the symptom, lets cure the disease. In this case where the exhaust gas is coming from.

But if you want a temporary fix, leave the HVAC on RECIRC.

If it's being sucked in the air intake, then you probably have a cracked exhaust manifold or broken exhaust pipe. Also, this engine have a tendency to break exhaust manifold studs or they simply fall out. The gasket between the exhaust manifold and cylinder head will burn or blow out and allow exhaust to enter the engine compartment.

I recommend a through inspection of the exhaust system from the cylinder head to the tail pipe.

Until it's fixed restrict your use of the vehicle and when you do use it, keep a window open so you do not succumb to carbon monoxide.