Hi,
I have a 2015 Honda Fit Hybrid GP5. For one month now, I am experiencing bad smell in the cabin. At first, I thought it was the A/C evaporator, but after further investigation, I am certain it comes from the battery cooling fan in the rear boot. Each time it turns on, the air coming from the black plastic pipe is very smelly and same as what I have been smelling pro the past month in the cabin. The colling system is as follows: There is a vent next to the rear right seat that sucks fresh air to bring to the HP Battery housing. When the cooling fan runs, air is sucked into the battery casing and flushed out through the colling fan's pipe. The extraction pipe opening is inside the trunk next to the battery. This means that the bad smell remains inside the vehicle cabin and circulates around when the AC system is on.

Now, I have owned this car for 8 years and it is the first time I have this problem. Can anyone advise me where the smell is coming from and what can be done to rectify it?

Thanks.

Norbert

 

Can you describe the smell?

If the system is arranged as previous generations were, most of the motor control electronics are in that housing as well.

 

Thanks Bobski for your reply.

The smell is like rotten food or animals like dead lizard or rat. But I supposed had it been a dead lizard stuck inside the batter cooling fan or battery housing, the smell would have been gone or reduced by then instead of becoming more apparent.

 

With the exception of some very old technology, failed electronics don't produce that kind of smell. It is likely a dead animal as you suggested. I would start by removing the cooling fan from its housing, then the various pieces of ducting. Clean the plastics with soap and water as you go to minimize any lingering smell once you find the source. Danger from high voltage (HP) should be limited to the battery box and brightly colored wiring - you probably want to leave that stuff to a professional, should it come to that.

 

Thanks Bobski.
You are right.
Today I contacted Honda mechanic he told me it could be an insect like lizard that has died inside the vent system. He will come and do some servicing on battery next week at my home. This is after his normal working hours at a small fee.
Well see how it goes.
I keep you posted.

Thanks.