Burned smell

07 TRD V6, 137K miles.

I noticed a burned fluid smell last week while cleaning snow off the truck. I've checked the oil a few times and it's fine and the transmission is sealed.

When I smell it outside I open the hood but it smells normal there. It seems to be the strongest below the cab area. I haven't crawled underneath yet, but I don't see any drip marks on the ground. I did see some oilyness in a puddle in the driveway but I'm not positive it came from the truck.

I would think something has to be dripping on the manifold or exhaust to get that burned smell.

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

I'd be willing to bet the snow/salt is to blame. I've had that smell before, but it's only while driving in the snow. I'd guess the salty water from the melted snow on your exhaust.

 

Hmm....it's all melted away now though. That was during the Jonas storm. I would love it if it was something like that though. I haven't had any real trouble with this truck so far and I don't plan on ever getting rid of it.

 

possibly a oil leak on the manifold ?

 

Might be an oil leak dripping onto the manifold.

 

Might be an oil leak dripping onto the manifold.

 

I would guess that your Auto LSD was engaging during driving in the snow and you were smelling your brakes.

 

We haven't had snow here in over a week and I'm still smelling it. I initially thought oil on the manifold too but I smell nothing under the hood--only behind the cab area underneath. I guess it could still be the manifold though.

 

Does it smell like burnt rubber? Because I've been noticing a burnt rubber smell when I get out of my truck...

 

I had the same thing , turned out to be excess grease from the u joint at the front of the driveshaft flinging out onto the exhaust

 

You can say that again.

 

This. Same on my 2015.

 

I see your sig pic! Same thing happened to my first car, 90 Mustang.

 

It's possible I guess, but I've never actually lubed anything on the truck so it would have to be old stuff. I'm not smelling it as much now. If it would get to a decent temperature around here I'd go look at it. I need this truck to survive until fall when I start looking for a mustang and put the truck on light duty. It's pretty solid, but I've got a few maintenance things to do to it as soon as I can.

 

I have noticed an occasional burnt smell also. Same as OP described. Comes and goes in all seasons. Not related to salt or snow. Not rubber, motor oil, or grease.

 

That's what I experience too. It goes away after it burns off.

 

Had the burnt rubber smell on my 2010; never figured it out. Now have it on my 2015...

 

AC Compressor clutch can seize and the pulley will seize causing the serpentine belt to rub and stink.

 

Do you know what the different fluids smell like? ATF? Brake Fluid? Engine Oil?

 

This...I just greased all my joints the other week and I had the same thing. It's gone now though...just wipe it off or wait it out