Well basically the title states it, but my car started smelling like hot burning plastic yesterday but it's only on the interior. I have been trying to let it air out, but nothing seems to work, not even a gallon (hyperbolic) of Febreeze will work.

Any ideas? Hate to make such a stupid thread but I'm lost...

 

Did you check underneath to see if a plastic bag got stuck to the exhaust?

 

^ Definitely check the exhaust, the other day I had a plastic Dunkin Donuts cup stuck to mine.

 

I didn't check but I can.

 

No plastic bags. It smells like it's coming from the passenger side.

 

It's getting hot in here, so take off your all your clothes..i mean splash guard.

 

That is actually something worth checking. Does this happen when the a/c is running by any chance? It could be your in-cabin air filter if this was the case.

 

If it's exhaust- related it smells only after few minutes delay after engine start as cold exhaust can't evaporate plastic.

 

Check..

Serp. Belt area
Splash guards
Exhaust system
Bumper...yes bumper

 

in cabin air filter

 

have you taken aout the passenger seat?

 

Sounds like its time for a new blow up doll.

 

I have not taken it out, no. If I do, what should I look for?

That ran through my mind, but if I remember correctly, the inside of your glove box states whether or not you have one, and the last time I checked mine said I didn't.

Serp. Belt?
Could they be melting? It's been super humid and pretty hot recently, so that isn't an unreasonable thought.

What exhaust system tests are there? Meaning, what would you say I should do to 'check'?

Just to make sure it's not burning away?

It smells the whole time you drive. When I leave the windows open, it airs out. But it comes back after driving.


It generally does occur when the AC is on (it pretty much always is) but the smell is still there without it, so I haven't been able to tell. And refer to my post up there ^^^^ about the in cabin air filter.

But my car would look so much less 4x4!

 

This started to happen to me when my AC compressor was going. If its simultaneous with a god awful noise, get that checked out before that belt snaps.

 

I have the same smell with AC running, and some noise with the compressor. I think the belts need replaced, but I have bigger problems...the dreaded rusted out core support. I think its causing a lot of movement with the engine and everything

 

I'm going to figure this whole thing out when I get home. After 4 years of Georgia heat and 7 years of Virginia heat+humidity, the AC is bound to go at some point. And I haven't noticed any noises, but that's because my car is extremely loud with the AC on. Almost too loud.

 

Check your radiator fans as well. I suspect them smelling at one point, then they became loud then died altogether (and became quiet ).

 

They were just recently replaced because the motor went bad.