2009 Dodge Journey with 60K- Tar Like Odor From Vents

[Ed11729]

I have a 2009 Dodge Journey with 60K on the odom. I've beginning to notice a tar like smell coming through the vent system. Mechanic tells me he did not notice any leaks or tar on the exhaust system. Had anyone had this problem before?. It began after I brought the car to a car wash...not sure if that has something to do with the smell. When I use the recycled setting, I do not have the odor. Any ideas what could be causing this?

[2late4u]

change your cabin air filter (if your journey has one),and cars can get a smell in there air vents, try googling how to clean the unit . dont know what would make it smell like tar. good luck p.s. when you find the cause be sure and let us know

Edited April 24, 2014 by 2late4u

[Ed11729]

Brought the Journey to my mechanic today....he replaced the cabin airfilter, checked brakes for a hung caliper, checked for leaks, rotated and balanced tires (which were a bit out of line due to the Long Island pothole epidemic). Brakes were fine ....still getting the smell..kind of like a butaine odor. Smell completely disapears when I set the setting to recycle interior air. He cannot figure out what is causing it. Suggested that I bring the vehicle to the dealer shop to see if they ever had this situation before, which I may do.

[DodgeCares]

Ed11729

If you decide to have the dealer review the vehicle for the butane smell, please let us know what they find. The dealer can check for service bulletins.