So I've been noticing this hot burning smell when I'm driving the car. I can't describe the smell exactly, other than it being that kind of smell or feeling that you just get when something is really, really hot. Hot metal perhaps?

I've noticed that after carwashes the smell doesn't appear for a while. Something part of the exhaust system perhaps? I have a check engine light on and it's supposedly an oxygen sensor code - would this cause anything like that?

 

I too have this weird hot smell!?! I checked under the hood and can smell it but am not sure where it is coming from. When Im driving I smell it every now and then. The smell dosent last long after the car is shut off. Sorry, not trying to take over your thread. If anyone has an idea of what it might be, Im all ears.

 

any leaks coming from the car? I was experiencing this smell when my water pump was leaking, it would leak coolant on other parts of the engine and burns the coolant up which causes the smell...

 

Possibly.

If your catalytic converter gets too hot.

 

I did have a small coolant leak....could it just be so extra burning off?

 

Coolant has a distinct sweet smell when its burning. I'd check your transfer case is not leaking slowly on the driveshaft and getting sprayed on the exhaust. A small leak can be hard to hard to see without having the car on a lift.

 

Does it happen after you get an oil change? Maybe the oil changer guys are letting oil from the filter fall on the exhaust, and you smell it when it burns off.

 

Nah, it happens regardless of oil change and whatnot. I do have a leaking oil pan gasket, but it doesn't smell like burning oil. I don't have a coolant leak either. I'm suspecting it might be the cat. converters getting too hot because of the bad O2 sensor as mentioned above?

I've been noticing it lately because its been getting dry and warmer. Back in the winter and rainy days I guess it kept it cool enough not to give off the smell.

How long can I drive it like this before I get it fixed? What damages would occur? Reason I ask is because I don't have to bring it to get fixed because of school until the end of April. If it's absolutely necessary I can find a way. I drive about 400 miles/week.

 

I know this is an old thread but maybe someone can HELP MEEEE!!!! I have a 2011 XJL and the interior smells like hot crayons. I just bought the car a month ago in the summer and am like WTH!! has anyone experienced this and maybe have a remedy? I seriously want to sell the car now

 

Wrong forum

And your posts a month ago in the correct one were answered. Perhaps not to your satisfaction.

Try buying and using Turtle Wax Odor-X in the pollen filter area, in the air vents, on the filter and throughout the interior.

Also check that the drain(s) from moonroof (if so equipped) are draining forward and rearward. They can plug up and smell like crap.

 

I actually didn't choose to come to this thread I was online searching directly where I needed to be and it directed me right here after I clicked on a post so I decided to throw my issue out there in a different forum. The few responses I got last month were not iron clad enough to be satisfied and a total cure all and only peoples opinions and definitely not a fix up till now.. Further research as of last night has now come up that most European cars, BMW, VW, Jaguar have my same exact issue of burnt crayon smell and its the wax undercoating under the carpets, trunk, behind door panels and throughout the interior soundproofing and not much can be done bascically short of using air freshners etc.....

 

Doesn’t look too bad but not exactly sure what I am looking for.

 

Doesn’t look too bad but not exactly sure what I am looking for.