What might this smell be?

[jasonh_86]

A week ago today, my gf and I were driving around while we were out eating and going to a movie. When I stopped I noticed this AWFUL smell, like something was burning. I couldn't figure out what it was because i'd never smelled it coming from my car before. It's done it everytime i've driven the car since.

I drove 200 yards from my apt to the gas station and smelled it, but I never smell it while i'm actually moving.. only when i'm stopped. It doesn't happen when I start the car and just sit there (that i've noticed, anyways).

My first thought was a hanging caliper (dragging on the rotor), but it comes from both sides up front equally. It doesn't decelerate like it's hanging when I let off the gas and press the clutch in or put it in neutral. I've felt of the rotors after i've driven to campus and back, both front rotors feel the same (heat-wise).

Could this be my clutch? I haven't driven it hard in a while and haven't paid attention for slipping, but I might take it out tonight and see if I can tell if it is or not.

Any idea on what it might be? There is never any visible smoke, i've checked under the hood and nothing is out of place or touching anything it shouldn't be.

I'm pretty stumped.

 

[joshjwc9]

What does it smell like? Is is sweet, pungent or something like that?

Are your wheels covered in brake dust after a little driving?

Is your clutch slipping? Has the car changed driveability wise?

My guess at this point is something in your rolling mass, (brakes, trans, rear) but if you hear/smell something coming from a location I would think that is it.

Double check your oil, coolant and brake fluid levels too. You might be able to narrow a leak should one be low.

 

[squeak93]

+1 on what type of smell it is.... Could be something dead under the hood.. Had a cat meet the acc belt one time. Nasty.....

 

[streethorse]

Your Parking brake could be slightly engaged, make sure its tottaly released.
Smells the same as a burned clutch.

 

[mogs01gt]

describe smell

 

[BurningRubber]

Take a look at your exhaust.

Any kind of plastic gets on there and hangs up, it can melt and it smells like straight hell. I had a plastic sleeve that went around the o2 sensor become brittle and it cracked, fell off, and landed on one of the converters. I seriously thought my car was on fire.

When I found out what it was I was very releived.

 

[SONIC02]

Check your rear axle - that fluid can Stink and since you don't deal with it a lot you might not recognize it. If not then yeah check for something dead that you just keep reheating.

 

[hotmustang331]

If the small happens that fast....check for any oil leaks that may be dripping on the exhaust.

 

[erzats]

oil on exhaust would cause smoke . Do you know what clutch burning smells like? Im sure if was a dead animal you would know because it would smell like a bar-b-cue in some wierd way. you have to describe the smell better burning plastic has a distinct odor so do most fluids that the car uses.Most people that have driven for 10 years or so come across most of theses smells sooner or later. You dont have any drag you say so that would rule out e-brake or stuck caliper. Power steering feel ok any squeaks ? how about putting a clean piece of cardboard under car next time you park check for leakage by inspecting cardboard after a while.

 

[Marlboro_Man]

bad catalyst converters have been said to have a rotten egg smell.

 

[erzats]

Just remembered something once run over a plastic bag dry cleaners type light chit stuck to hot exhaust didnt smoke but smelled as it melted for a couple days