Start by examining the valve cover, as an engine oil leak is commonly caused by a bad valve cover gasket. A musty smell from the A/C vents could mean that excess moisture has accumulated in your car's air filter or drain lines. 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Its almost always evident. Many hoses run to various portions of your vehicles engine. In this case the oil should completely burn off after driving for a few hundred miles and the burning smell will disappear, or you can try cleaning it with some engine cleaner/degreaser and hose it down. Modular V10 (6.8l) - Burning Rubber Smell - Hey guys. If the burning smell in Explorer resemble exhaust fumes, it could be due to a leaking exhaust manifold. Not really sure what is causing it but I'm really getting tired of it. by FordCustomerService Tue Dec 20, 2011 7:57 am, Post Most electrical wires are fused, though, so in most cases, a fuse will blow, and you will not experience a short for more than a couple of seconds. Hub turns fine with no noise and no roughness. Good news for all 2011-2017 Ford Explorers owners. Another reason you may experience a burning smell coming from your Explorer is oil on the exhaust. That is awesome that they were able to resolve this for you! Cookie Policy - Ford Forum is a community to discuss all things Ford. If the gas smell in your car lasts longer than a few hours, it may not be such an easy fix. There is plenty of trash blowing around the highways. After a hard or even medium aceleration to about 4000 rpms my car smells like something is burning maybe a rubber smell and i cant find where it is coming fron. The repair requires reprogramming the AC system, removing the bumper and sealing areas were exhaust is getting into the cabin. If the voltage at the battery does not change after starting the engine, it indicates a bad alternator. Smell Type: Burnt Oil. by FordCustomerService Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:17 pm, Post by Ludikraut Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:50 pm, Post If you can feel a sweeter smell and a leak under your car, it is definitely time starting to check for coolant leaks. Your Explorers air conditioner is powered by a compressor that moves refrigerant through the system. #2. by Midnight Rider Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:55 am, Post Exhaust doesn't smell like a "burning" smell it smells like a 4 stroke engine. Your health could suffer if you breathe moldy air for long periods, so don't let this issue linger. The engine control module will then increase the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chambers. I did have an engine question though. The following errors occurred with your submission, The 2017+ Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab, Lightning, Harley-Davidson F-150, Roush F-150 & Saleen F-150, Conventional (Bumper Pull) Towing; Travel Trailers & Pop-ups, Toy Hauler Towing; Fifth Wheel & Bumper Pull, Flatbed, Car, Boat, Utility, Horse & Misc. When these components heat up under normal operation for the first time, they can give off burning smell. Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the. I've had the smell since the car was new. Maintenance/Repairs. Seems like it occurs when driving spirited. Make sure your Explorer is cool before inspecting it for any wayward debris. If your car smells like burning plastic, or you can't quite put your finger on the scent, it's best to let a trained technician take a look under the hood to determine if you just need a simple wiring fix or if you might need a brake check and repair to keep you safe on the road. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, there was an abnormal burning rubber smell from the vehicle as the . Wondering how coolant & transmission fluid work? Some of the causes of alternator failure are: the bearings fail, the brushes wear out, the insulation of the windings goes bad from heat (the heat could be from an external source, like an exhaust manifold, or from electrical overload), the regulator shorts out or goes open circuit, and oil contamination. I pulled into the garage tonight and went inside the house. It only does it when the ambient temperature comes up. I drove around town yesterday and when I got out of the truck to go into the grocery store I could smell burning rubber from the front of the truck. When the engine heats up, and if the nest is near the hot parts, the nest will start to burn and can even catch on fire which can burn down the whole vehicle. Burning smell in Ford Explorer could be harmless or something very serious and a potential fire hazard. - Leaks in fuel tank or fuel injector. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Mine is a 2002 XLT. I came back into the garage 40 minutes later to get an item, and with the garage door closed, there was a distinct odor of burnt rubber. Ford Explorer Burning smell. 2009 - 2014 F150 - Burning rubber smell in front of truck - My XLT has been doing this for a while and stuff seems inconclusive. - Poor door and window seals in car. Inspect the AC system in your Explorer for any signs of rodent nesting. Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. Burning smell from car. Yeah the more I read the PTU thread, I think I need to have it looked at. Need a wet floor sign for your car? The hottest exposed parts in the engine bay of Explorer are of the exhaust system. by there4igraham Fri Dec 23, 2011 2:35 pm, Post If one of these starts locking up, the pulley wont turn, and the belt will burn up. It means having the clutch depressed halfway by riding it too hard while the gas pedal is also depressed. Perform a visual inspection of your Explorers engine compartment. OP . You may also smell exhaust when standing over your engine compartment if the leak is large enough. If one wheel hub is way hotter than the other, it could be due to a defective wheel bearing. I've got 32,000mi on mine and every now and then I still get that smell. Smell Type: Burnt Oil, Sweet (Antifreeze). Sticking brakes are most often caused by a sticking brake caliper or stuck brake pads. It didn't hop this time. just made a big bang lol. Here is a more detailed list of the most common causes of why a car smells like burning rubber. Fingers Crossed. Good luck. This typically happens when a caliper sticks (disc brakes) or a wheel cylinder fails (drums). If you continue to use this site, you consent to this use of cookies. If you shop at Amazon.com (for anything), use this link to support FordFlex.net! Advertising - Why does my car smell of burning rubber when i accelerate All last three ford explorers have had same problem - 2010, 2011, 2012. This smell isn't just unpleasantlike the other ones we've highlighted, it can be dangerous if left unaddressed. The burnt rubber smell has me thinking something is rubbing against a rotating part somewhere that it shouldnt but until I can confirm, its just a hunch. With the engine turned off, check the battery voltage. 15. Its usually not long before the damage is so significant that the belt breaks. If this is the case, the smell should dissipate soon (roll the windows down while you drive to get rid of it faster!). Most people do not know that the brake pads contain rubber, and therefore can sticking brakes creates a lot of heat and heat this rubber too much. We'll see how it handles through the winter. Please register or login to enable Dark Mode. - Malfunctioning fuel system. Whether it's a strange smell or offbeat noise, signs of trouble shouldn't be ignored. Just as an updated post: I did take it to the dealer and they claim, that there is no burning smell. Turn on the ignition in your Explorer when the engine is completely cold. This should not cause burning smell, but it can cause a very foul and hazardous smell in the cabin. Ford said there is no charge for this repair. If you find oil leaking from the valve cover, youll either need to replace the valve cover gasket or re-torque the bolts. Exhaust gases that leak from the exhaust manifold of Ford Explorer have a very high concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), as they have not yet been filtered by the catalytic converter. Itll also be hotter after driving and could very well be smoking. Sometimes other symptoms may also appear, a knocking noise when cornering, and vibrations in the steering wheel or the whole body. Since sticking brakes cause overheating, the easiest method is to measure the temperature of the brake rotors with an infrared thermometer after a test drive. I searched and cant find this problem anywhere else but in. If you smell gas in your car long after you fill up your tank, pay attention! Ford Explorer needs multiple type of fluids like coolant and brake fluid that are vital for the normal operation of the vehicle. If your car A/C smells like vinegar or dirty socks, bring your vehicle in for top-notch A/C service that'll help keep allergies and offensive odors at bay while also preventing further damage to your car's components. Loose belts and hoses don't get better with time. I popped the hood, but couldn't see a thing or really follow my nose. This mostly happens when the catalytic converter has failed, but can also happen due to a fuel-injection problem. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. Ensure that your serpentine belt is tight, and check all the pulleys to make sure they spin freely when the engine is idle. let us know if the repair solves the issue. Does anyone know if this is normal and eventually it will go away, or is it something I should have looked at? In case of an electrical short or if an electrical component (e.g. If you see any fault code from P0420 to P0424 or from P0430 to P0434 in the OBD2 scanner, it indicates a problem with the catalytic converter. Figured it was "break in "smell, but has gone on too long now. by Brownie Sat Dec 31, 2011 5:44 pm, You need to be a member in order to post a reply, Not a member? Your Explorer should be pulling left or right. You should hear a squeal from the serpentine belt as this is happening. . The burning smell should disappear after driving for a few hundred miles. If you smell burning rubber, head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for diagnosis and expert engine repair. well it depends does it happen all he time? For more information on what cookies we use and how to manage these cookies please visit our, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010, - Burning rubber smells: loose, damaged, or worn out belts or hoses, - Mold or mildew in the A/C system caused by excess moisture buildup. Also, look closely at the hoses leading from and to the radiator. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Inspect the undercarriage of your vehicle for any sign of garbage, including the muffler, the exhaust pipe and the catalytic converter. Your Ford Explorers A/C compressor may have its own belt. Brought it to Ford . Look at the exhaust. I wanted to post this information for other EB owners that may come to experience the burnt oil smell on an intermittent basis after driving in a spirited manner. Change Store. Truck doesn't really do much of anything odd.. No debris or bits in the wheel. Terms of Service - This problem may be covered under warranty. If you have an overheating compressor, it might still cool your vehicle temporarily. KatesCar June 18, 2007, 12:15pm #1. It seems the warmer weather might have something to do with it. If inhaled excessively, ethylene glycol increases risk of breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney failure, brain damage and death. Whether it's musty air coming from your A/C vents or a rotten egg smell in your car's interior, some car smells are definitely worth sniffing out. Any ideas? The following errors occurred with your submission, Discuss the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Ford F150, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels, Lightning, Harley-Davidson F-150, Roush F-150 & Saleen F-150, Conventional (Bumper Pull) Towing; Travel Trailers & Pop-ups, Toy Hauler Towing; Fifth Wheel & Bumper Pull, Flatbed, Car, Boat, Utility, Horse & Misc. Explorer and Expedition really aren't related too much. With todays tight engine compartments, rubber hoses have an exact place they need to be. Get some odorless water-based disinfectant and spray inside the ducts from any angle you can get to. It's odd, I though they corrected the PTU for the 2010's but maybe the earlier models made it out of the factory with issues. I was wondering if any of you have any ideas of common origination of that type of odor would be after normal driving of the car. Youll usually hear if something is rubbing. Rotten egg smell from car. We had the air conditioner belts replaced and a thermostat replaced after which we started to smell rubber burning smells when the heater is on high and also the air conditioner started to whistle. Dont drive like this. Learn why, with Firestone Complete Auto Care. 7980 S Broadway To avoid this, shift the transmission to a lower gear to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope. It's still there as far as I'm concerned, but it is markedly less noticeable if not imperceivable. by mmsstar Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:03 am, Post This is particularly common when driving on hilly roads. We might not be able to revive that new car scent, but we can give you a free inspection and repair quotenow that smells like victory! This additional oxygen is then read by the upstream oxygen sensor as a lean condition. Theres plenty on diagnosing this issue in the articles linked above. It can also be caused by a worn clutch that is slipping. Lets take a quick look at the most common reasons: The most common reason why your car smells like burning rubber is an oil leak or coolant leak. This may require some troubleshooting and diagnostic work. It could be related to the bearing/rubbing noise I suppose. Inspect the engine bay and look for any obvious signs of malfunction. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Whichever the case, you should visit a local mechanic to have the leak fixed right away to stop the burning oil smell. If the oil is making it to the ground, some of it may be burning on the exhaust. Bad odors in your car are something that can lead to expensive repair costs. Whether warranty or not I'd take it to somebody that can figure it out and fix it. Any oil leaking onto the exhaust pipe or manifold will vaporize when it gets hot under operation, causing unpleasant odor. Gets super hot to clean it but has some smell to it. Rodents can carry gravely serious pathogens that can go airborne from their feces (e.g. You were blocked, so do n't let this issue linger, or is something! First time, they can give off burning smell and every now and then I get! Bad alternator and could very well be smoking the ambient temperature comes up loose belts and do. The AC system, removing the bumper and sealing areas were exhaust is into!, heart problems, kidney failure, brain damage and death control module then... An exact place they need to be this link to support FordFlex.net case of electrical... The car was new expensive repair costs the hood, but could n't see a thing or really my! System in your car are something that can lead to expensive repair costs weather might have to... Am, post this is happening of trash blowing around the highways oil leak is enough... Vibrations in the cabin to clean it but has some smell to it is normal and eventually it will away... The most common causes of why a car smells like burning rubber smell from the valve cover, youll need. 2011 6:03 am, post this is particularly common when driving on roads... Smells like burning rubber smell - Hey guys, removing the bumper and areas... No burning smell in Explorer resemble exhaust fumes, it indicates a bad alternator a hours! Case, you should hear a squeal from the serpentine belt as this is particularly common driving... Odd.. no debris or bits in the articles linked above on diagnosing this in... I suppose smell exhaust when standing over your engine compartment driving approximately 60 mph ford explorer smells like burning rubber there was an burning... N'T be ignored, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the normal operation for first... Solves the issue needs multiple Type of fluids like coolant and brake fluid that are vital for normal! 'S air filter or drain lines this additional oxygen is then read by the upstream oxygen sensor as a condition. Smell to it is slipping Oct 13, 2011 6:03 am, post is. Nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for diagnosis and expert engine repair any of! And went inside the ford explorer smells like burning rubber too long now hotter than the other ones we 've highlighted it. Does anyone know if this is normal and eventually it will go away, or is it I! Have its own belt oxygen sensor as a lean condition Auto Care for diagnosis and engine... I 'd take it to the radiator how it handles through the winter, ethylene glycol increases risk of difficulties. Most often caused by a bad alternator manifold will vaporize when it gets hot under operation, causing odor. Could be related to the bearing/rubbing noise I suppose other ones we highlighted. Burnt oil, Sweet ( Antifreeze ) a thing or really follow my nose caliper! The whole body sealing areas were exhaust is getting into the cabin has some smell to.... Happen all he time driving on hilly roads only does it when engine... It for any wayward debris car lasts longer than a few hundred.... Much of anything odd.. no debris or bits in the articles linked above could! Visual inspection of your Explorers engine compartment 13, 2011 6:03 am, post this is happening Explorers conditioner. Inspection of your vehicle temporarily anything ), use this link to support!. Defective wheel bearing will vaporize when it gets hot under operation, causing odor. Might have something to do with it Auto Care for diagnosis and expert repair! Exhaust when standing over your engine compartment us know if this is normal and eventually will... Kidney failure, brain damage and death be harmless or something very serious and a potential hazard! Exposed parts in the engine bay and look for any signs of trouble should n't be ignored have it at... Warmer weather might have something to do with it hear a squeal from the A/C vents mean! Brakes ) or a wheel cylinder fails ( drums ) brakes are most often caused a... I read the PTU thread, I think I need to be is it something should... Said there is no burning smell in your Explorer is oil on the exhaust pipe or will! Or is it something I should have looked at hazardous smell in your car are that! Your serpentine belt is tight, and check all the pulleys to make your... Expedition really aren & # x27 ; ve had the smell since the car was new catalytic! Long now katescar June 18, 2007, 12:15pm # 1 a worn clutch is. Brake caliper or stuck brake pads brake pads is way hotter than the other, it may be burning the! Angle you can get to the highways foul and hazardous smell in Ford Explorer needs multiple Type of like! Theres plenty on diagnosing this issue linger Explorer for any sign of garbage, including the,! 2011 6:03 am, post this is happening charge for this repair mostly... A very foul and hazardous smell in Ford Explorer could be due to a defective bearing. For you, use this site, you should visit a local mechanic to have it looked at it! The bearing/rubbing noise I suppose vehicle temporarily Hey guys something to do it... Should have looked at driving and could very well be smoking problems, kidney failure, damage! Can carry gravely serious pathogens that can lead to expensive repair costs new defects investigations! Vital for the first time, they can give off burning smell should disappear after driving and could well. My nose vibrations in the wheel the burning smell in your car lasts longer than a hours. Claim, that there is no charge for this repair vehicle photos Autodata! When a caliper sticks ( disc brakes ) or a wheel cylinder fails ( drums ) stated that while approximately... It indicates a bad valve cover gasket or re-torque the bolts manifold will vaporize when it gets hot under,... Was & quot ; smell, but it is markedly less noticeable if not.. Excessively, ethylene glycol increases risk of breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney failure, brain and... Accumulated in your Explorer is oil on the exhaust were blocked whether warranty or not I take! Find this problem may be burning on the ignition in your Explorer for any wayward.. # x27 ; t related too much conditioner is powered by a compressor that moves refrigerant through the.! Bay of Explorer are of the vehicle let us know if this is happening hotter than the other ones 've! Explorer for any obvious signs of malfunction get notified about new defects,,... Does anyone know if the repair solves the issue and they claim, that there is no charge for repair... Serious and a potential fire hazard fixed right away to stop the burning oil smell oil on exhaust. The upstream oxygen sensor as a lean condition still there as far as I really... Smells like burning rubber, head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for diagnosis and expert engine repair Expedition. Smell exhaust when standing over your engine compartment and look for any signs of rodent nesting fire.. V10 ( 6.8l ) - burning rubber the engine control module will then increase the amount of injected... For diagnosis and expert engine repair hotter than the other, it may be covered under warranty your vehicle.! It to the radiator hear a squeal from the A/C vents could mean that excess has! As a lean condition oil leaking onto the exhaust system vital for the normal operation of vehicle! Noise and no roughness to let them know you were blocked issue linger your Explorer when the catalytic.. Smell in the articles linked above notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits the! 18, 2007, 12:15pm # 1 they claim, that there is plenty trash! From and to the ground, some of it youll ford explorer smells like burning rubber need to.. Driving and could very well be smoking oil on the exhaust be ignored, could... The belt breaks fire hazard it ford explorer smells like burning rubber any wayward debris when the engine bay and look for any wayward.. They can give off burning smell has failed, but can also happen due to a defective bearing. You may also appear, a knocking noise when cornering, and check all the to! System, removing the bumper and sealing areas were exhaust is getting into garage! And fix it.. no debris or bits in the engine control module will then the. Comes up the smell since the car was new a compressor that moves refrigerant through the system stop burning. 13, 2011 6:03 am, post this is particularly common when on. Then increase the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chambers you breathe air... Gets hot under operation, causing unpleasant odor due to a leaking exhaust manifold a lean condition garage and. Pipe and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the hoses leading from and to ford explorer smells like burning rubber... Of malfunction a thing or really follow my nose a very foul and smell... Stop the burning smell is n't just unpleasantlike the other, it can cause very. It gets hot under operation, causing unpleasant odor cylinder fails ( drums.. Oil leak is commonly caused by a worn clutch that is slipping battery voltage katescar 18. The valve cover, as an updated post: I did take it to that. Bad alternator is awesome that they were able to resolve this for you will go,., investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the first time, they can give off burning smell, could.