Question 1

Hey, Why Does My Car Smell Like Burning Plastic?

Accepted Answer

Burning plastic smells can be from stuck plastic debris to electrical issues. Our experts will guide you on what to do. A burning smell coming from the car is typically an early sign of damage. Unfortunately, turning a blind eye to the problem puts expensive wiring, harnesses, connectors, and computer controls at risk. Alternatively, the smell might simply come from a plastic bag caught by the catalytic converter and burnt by its heat. First, search under your vehicle for plastic bags stuck in the exhaust. In some cases, the plastic melts, and the burning smell travels through the heater and air-conditioning vents.

Question 2

Do you feel the smell coming from under the car's hood?

Accepted Answer

A car's weak or overloaded battery might cause meltings on the fuse box cover. In this case, the excess load made the wires and connectors overheat. As a result, the cover melts, producing a burning plastic smell.

Question 3

Does the smell appear when turning the heater or A/C on?

Accepted Answer

The blower motor wires will overheat when using the heater while the cabin air filters are restricted. Moreover, the smell will travel through the heater and A/C system, depending on the converter's location.

Question 4

Are you noticing problems with your car's stereo, lights, or starting process?

Accepted Answer

Commonly, damaged alternator terminals can melt and burn wire connectors, causing a burning plastic smell.

Question 5

Have you checked if there's something stuck under your car?

Accepted Answer

Debris stuck in the car (like a plastic bag) starts melting as the engine heats, especially on long drives or while cruising a steep hill. Then, fans from the electric cooling and air conditioning condenser overheat because of built-up road debris, causing a high load or electrical short, which is a common problem.

Question 6

Are you noticing any electrical failure in your car?

Accepted Answer

Plastic generally doesn't handle heat very well. Your car has many complex plastic-y electrical switches, like relays, which constantly transfer high loads. Unfortunately, this part can fail and cause burning plastic smells.

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