I was up in the mountain and got stuck in some snow. After going back and forth I got out but I had a trany overheating light that came on. The light went away but every now and then I get this burning smell coming inside the car. Any Idea what it could be since You cant check the trany level? Or if you can how do I add tranny fluild?

 

You can check the level, there just isn't a dipstick, check out the numerous threads on changing transmission fluid and the level check procedure will be revealed.

 

This one set the alarm bells ringing in my head, having had transmission problems myself.
If I were you and you're keeping the car, it's time to act NOW, before any transmission damage can happen.
You don't say what car, so I can only speak generally.
Question is, how long has this ATF fluid been in service? If it has been in use more than 60,000mile for synthetic, or 30,000mile for mineral, CHANGE IT PRONTO!
Use full synthetic, employ the full-flush method which gets out nearly all the old fluid, if it happens to be the ZF6HP26 autobox, use Shell 1375.4 full synth. if possible, otherwise Mobil 1. Do a search on here as there is lots about this procedure and the reason for the additives for a partic type of autobox.
If you do much mountain work with your vehicle, or tow a trailer, or get stuck in snow a lot, fitting a separate transmission cooler is a VERY good idea indeed, especially one which has an electric cooling fan. Exess heat in the fluid cuts it's life dramatically.
Leedsman.

 

The smell and light may not be related..

Please post details about your car.. year and engine at least.

That will make a great difference in "what to check".

 

well it is a 2003 S-type with 57,000 miles on it. I dont go to the mountains often. It was just a one time thing. But now I smell a burning smell if the car sits for a while then I drive about 15min. Any help would be great. I just got the car about 3 months ago.

 

OK, still don't know what engine you have.

 

it has the 3.0 v6 in it.

 

I am tending to agree with Jeff (in this thread) and Jon in your other thread.

I would start with the IMT o-rings, if that doesn't resolve the burnt oil smell then another known leak is at the valve cover gaskets. I had replaced my IMT and passenger side (the bitch side) valve cover gasket and no more burnt oil stink stink in the cabin!

 

There's a good FAQ on the IMTs.

 

Now that we have all the facts.... Here is what I think is going on.....

The trans warning lamp came on due to extreme use / abuse.. Nice to know it warns ya! I've beat the snot out of mine in empty snow covered lots and never got that..

I would definitely check the fluid level of the trans, but be real careful. Read up on that and DON'T CHECK IT HOT unless you have some fluid ready to put in when it cools down... When hot the normal fluid level is above the refill plug due to fluid expansion..But you will know that because "you promise to read up on the ZF box before you crack it open".

After VERY heavy use I have not smelled anything remotely related to the trans. so any trans fluid smell would lead me to believe it was leaking. That, however, is unlikely unless you see drips on the floor.

That leads me to where I was leading up to way back in the beginning of this thread. I too have a 3.0 v6. I discovered my IMT o-ring failure from the oil smell I got after a fast highway run. The faster / harder I drove it the more it smelled. It would not produce an oil smell just putzing around town. So, I check the back of the intake and lordy be, there were signs of wet oil. So, dealer replaced the o-rings (Select Edition Warranty) and no more stink. That is really what I think is going on with your car. It showed itself during the whipping it took up in the mountains...

Now, I personally would inspect the rear of the intake for signs of oil and figure on replacing the IMT o-rings. Then I would read up on the transmission sleeve and fluid change threads here an order a fluid change kit and do that at your convenience. If she got whipped in the mountains like you say, I don't think you did any kind of permanent damage but would still get that fluid changed just because of the temperature warning.

 

thanks for all the imput. I didnt smell anything on the way to work today. It is alittle warmer outside today too. Plus i was thinking, the trany isnt slipping so I am starting to think it is the orings on the back of the manifold. So I will change them out. Thanks a bunch.

 

I would still check everything out. Also, I would plan on changing out the trans fluid as well....Remember, you did trigger a trans temperature warning.. That would be enough for me to change the fluid, no matter how many miles were on it.

 

I'll have to look that one up!