Just wanted to hear your thoughts on this before I busted out old man Haynes at home and took a look...

Ever since I've had the max, when I use the heater, periodically it will smell like something is burning. Usually in the first 5-10 min that the heater is on. Not moldy or urine smell like I've found in searching, but a burning smell. This was pre-stereo installation (and the rest of the max is stock for what it's worth). Just curious to hear what you guys might think of checking. Thanks

 

Does it smell like burnt Anti-freeze? Do you know what Anti-freeze smells like (I'm being serious). If it is then your heatercore is starting to go. That or the blower motors bearing are wearing.




My $0.02

 

I've been told that a heater core throws off a maple syrup smell when it's going bad....just a thought

 

It doesn't smell sweet/maple syrupy at all, so that makes me think it's not the heater core.

And it doesn't smell like the burnt out fan motors I've smelled in the past (albeit different fans, but)....and it's not all the time. It comes and goes....like, a couple minutes after I turn the heat on, it'll smell for a couple of minutes, then go away.

Almost smells either like cloth or plastic or something of that nature. Guess I should check any wires that might be in the area or something? I dunno.

 

Do you by any chance "hot box"? I've noticed that when I hot box regularly, there can be residual orders from the HVAC, that don't really smell like the original smell, but definetly reminiscent.

 

hehe...I think I've hotboxed the max once or twice. If that kinda action is goin on (which is pretty few and far between, I try to keep that in the comfort of my own home), usually have the sunroof open. The smell is definitely more "harsh" than the sweet, sweet cheeba odor. Good unique suggestion though

Looking through the Haynes pretty much came up inconclusive. See if my pops has any ideas. Thanks for the ideas

 

Try cleaning out the vents the same way you do for AC smells. See if that helps.

SuDZ

 

I also have this intermittant burning smell in my heat. I am calling in my VIN to check for the alt. recall. If not, I will see if I can test the heater core.

 

I just noticed the exact same thing in the past day or so. The weird thing is that it only happens after the initial daily startup and then only a for a few minutes, then it goes away all day.

 

I've got an appointment on the 27th...more to come.

 

Just an idea, but could it be from mold/mildew in the ducts from condensation (same cause of AC having a funky smell)? This would explain why it only happens on first start up, and not all the time the heater is on. I'd treat it the same as the funky AC smell (kill all the spores with a disinfectant). If it is from intercourse in the Max, I'd get rid of that partner, or introduce him/her to proper hygiene. Just suggestions.

Dave

 

mine is not just at startup, but I haven't tried it with the a/c as it is about 30 degrees F outside lately. brr!

 

I don't think he was talking about intercourse if your talking about the "hotbox" question.