I have a 2012 fiat Abarth with 9000 miles on it. A few days ago I noticed a weird burning smell. I smelled it pretty clearly especially when rolling down Windows. It is not the oil. It has been changed and checked on. It usually starts smelling when I start the car and the smell stays for a bit but goes away when the car is off. I go near the exhaust and it smells like it's coming from it. What could be the potential problems? Thank you!

Thestevester said:

I have a 2012 fiat Abarth with 9000 miles on it. A few days ago I noticed a weird burning smell. I smelled it pretty clearly especially when rolling down Windows. It is not the oil. It has been changed and checked on. It usually starts smelling when I start the car and the smell stays for a bit but goes away when the car is off. I go near the exhaust and it smells like it's coming from it. What could be the potential problems? Thank you!

Click to expand...

Hi,
a plastic shopping bag melting / burning on it maybe..??

Charlie

varesecrazy said:

Hi,
a plastic shopping bag melting / burning on it maybe..??

Charlie

Click to expand...

Weird question but is there any way to check?

Thestevester said:

Weird question but is there any way to check?

Click to expand...

simplest..,
either take it to an auto service centre..up on a 4-post ramp..

or if you can.., put 2 x wheels on a tall kerb,
engine OFF, parking brake applied

and peek from front and rear of car to see if there is anything unexpected under the car..,

do let us know,

Charlie

What kind of a smell is it?

Rotten eggs is likely to be the sulphur in your petrol.. there's no answer except to change brands.

Burning oil is pretty distinctive and acrid.. you could have a leak/drips onto your exhaust manifold or your mechanic might have split some when they topped the oil up .. and now it's working its way onto hot surfaces.

A jammed bit of carrier bag/rodent will smell of burnt plastic or rodent.

Smokey bacon smell is the clutch or brakes... but could be a rodent.

Anything sweet smelling is going to be coolant or other fluid. Either a leak or a spillage.

If you fitted a new exhaust or catalyst recently.. it could just be the silver flash paint burning off a bit.


Ralf S.