Hi Chris,

I've done a little work on the Prius NiMH batteries and there is no smell. Also, the Prius battery pack has some pretty advanced problem detection systems and I would expect similar systems in your vehicle.

I wish I could help you but other than finding someone with a trained dog, I'm not sure I can offer much help.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

After April 3, use e-mail to contact me:

Thanks Bob for the quick reply.

I understand that the batteries don't emit an odor under nominal conditions. However, what if the casing were breached? Is there anything else in these hybrid systems that would outgas due to some off-nominal circumstance?

Can you take the car back? Tell them you can not live with this oder. Could be a dead rodent!, and they can get into some weird places. Hope you find the problem! Bob's idea re a dog may be the way to go. Check out you local police! H

Harold,

No, I cannot return the car. Also, the odor is clearly not the smell of an animal carcass rotting. It is more a chemical odor that builds up after the car is shut off. (It may also be generated when running but be disguised by dilution from the ventilation system.)

CAH

CAH,

Bob probably has as much experience as anyone here when it comes to NiMH batteries. He has been known to tear into a pack and re-furbish individual cells by re-hydrating them. If anyone would know about a "smell" from this type of battery, he would be the one.

I would start by looking for something out of place in the vehicle. Look under the seats, mats, carpet, etc. for something that is not supposed to be there (new car smell air freshener for example) that could have been left by the prior owner or the dealers "detail" crew.

To eliminate the battery compartment, place a plastic cover over the vent and seal it from the passenger compartment. If the smell is still there the next time you open the car, it's not the battery or controller system. Does the problem happen no matter where you park the car? Hot weather or cold? Any times where the smell is more noticeable?

David,

Thanks for the response and for the background on Bob's experience (I'm new to this forum as of today).

I have removed the mats and look around for anything amiss. I removed the battery vent covers and had a look in there as well. Nothing.

The odor seems to go away while driving (probably due to dilution from outside air). The odor seems to start building up immediately after shutting the car off and closing it up. For instance, if I were to park for just a few minutes and return to the car, I would again detect the odor. I think have also occassionally detected it when stepping out of the car after a trip.

One other problem I'll note that I believe is a red herring is this. Several months ago, the carpets got saturated with water due to a fouled drain line where condensation off the AC heat exchanger is supposed to drain (and possibly also the sun roof). The so-called "jute" under the carpet is still damp, some places more than others, even after I have sucked as much water as I can out the bottom ports with a shop vac. However, the odor I am plagued with is not a mildew/mold odor. To me it has a "chemical" smell. To some, it smells like spicey (e.g., hot) peppers. Some have also described it as "skunky". Any thoughts?

Also, would my 2006 Lexus have the same battery technology as the NiMH batteries that Bob has been working with?

Thanks,
Chris

David -- One other thing. You asked if there is some pattern to the problem (e.g., happens in only hot or cold weather, etc.). I have only had the car since last summer. It is starting to get colder now in Virginia, and I have not detected any change. The main thing is that it builds up when the car is off and closed up. It may be producing the odor while driving, but I don't notice it as much due to dilution from outside air.

Try finding a GOOD detailer in your area with a heated extractor system. They should be able to use an odor eliminator and then push hot water under pressure to rinse and extract the carpet. I think your problem is coming from there. A smell from the trunk or battery should not be able to build up that quick in the cabin.

Most hot water extractors have between 95 to 120 inches of water lift and should be able to get almost all of the moisture from the padding and carpet. What is left can be removed by heat and a blower system to get the moisture from the car. When they are done, have your mechanic check for other problem areas such as leaking door seals, moon roof seals, stopped up door drains, etc.

As you probably know, the "jute" under the carpet is synthetic and does not react to water (or smell) like natural materials. You could also close up the car, leave the engine off and start sniffing. If the scent builds up as fast as you have indicated, it should be easy to find the source. I still think your problem lies in the carpet and padding but it might be something else.

Check under the car and see if the heat shield has been removed from any part of the muffler system. Some times people remove them when they rattle! Worth a check? H