Chemical burning smell Topic is solved

Post by **jtp** » 14 Jan 2018, 20:34

Just got home and upon getting out of the car there was a horrible chemical burning smell. It went away very quickly once I was parked with the car off.

When I left for home I made a three point turn and there was a loud creaking/popping sound when the wheel was to the extreme right. Checked the PS fluid and everything else just now and all levels appear good.

I was thinking air in the PS lines given I replaced the Resevoir the other day. But I’ve driven 100+ miles since then and this was the first weird steering symptom.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 14 Jan 2018, 22:30

There are a number of fluids and compounds that each make different smells. Unfortunately smells can be highly subjective...

Does it smell sweet? Does it smell corrosive/acidic? Does it smell oily?

Does it smell like clutch material? If so, check for a stuck/frozen brake caliper if you have an automatic.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 15 Jan 2018, 04:31

Sweet smell - Antifreeze
Rotten eggs/Somebody farted - Battery acid (hydrogen sulfide).
Burning Rubber - Belts.
Oil - self explanatory.
Dinner burnt - Could be a lot of things.

Post by **jtp** » 15 Jan 2018, 06:10

It definitely wasn’t a sweet coolant smell, very acidic. Gonna get it into the shop today, everything looks good right now leaving the house

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 15 Jan 2018, 06:19

If it's a sharp acrid smell, be careful as that can be burning wires/electrical smoke or fire. I'd check all fuses to be safe. Could be something like power steering fluid leaking onto something hot though which may cause a bad smell too.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 15 Jan 2018, 06:27

very acidic

Battery and charging system.

Post by **abscate** » 15 Jan 2018, 06:40

Oil leak onto exhaust manifold will make your eyes hurt.

When the battery or alternator fail hard enough to smell, it's usually visible boiling and acid venting.

Post by **oragex** » 15 Jan 2018, 09:10

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑15 Jan 2018, 06:27 very acidic

Battery and charging system.

I'd concur

The time I got this smell I just had installed a flexible downpipe and secured it with a 'high heat' J-B weld stuff. Drove it straight to the garage to have the stuff removed and the pipe welded

Post by **jtp** » 15 Jan 2018, 09:25

I drove it into work (I work at a VW dealership) and gave it to the top guy, not a Volvo guy but he's really good. You'd think your car gets priority if you work at a shop but on a busy day like today thats not really how it goes. Hes gonna get it in this afternoon so Ill report back.

Trying to get this thing fixed up would be a lot easier if it stopped breaking

Post by **abscate** » 15 Jan 2018, 09:52

I’ve heard Norwegians are flocking in to DC with burned kippered herrings, are you downwind?