Bad or Burnt Exhaust smell in cabin during hard acceleration.

[barackhussein]

I just got back from a drive in my 2013 explorer. I did not accelerate over 3500 rpm or get on the freeway. The chemical odor came a few times, with or without the ac or fan. So far it seems random, but did notice it more after moderate breaking. When we first drove the car home it smelled like bad brakes both inside and out. One time while accelerating from red light to green, my wife and I both smelled raw gasoline coming through the vents! I'm starting to think we just made the worst investment of our lives. We are taking it back Monday.

 

[ern3]

Brought mine in to dealer today. Service manager agrees there is a smell, and smells it outside of the car worse than inside. He did say this was the first he has heard of anything like this issue.. but assured me that they would get to the bottom of it.

I will keep everyone posted.

Thanks again Cory for escalating this to CS. They talked to the service manager at my dealer, so he knew all about it when I got there. No hassle so far!

Although, I am driving an Escape loaner with a slipping tranny with only 10k on the clock.. lol

-ern

 

[ern3]

Just received a call from the service manager, He spoke with Ford Tech Service, and was advised they know there is a problem, and they are working on a solution, but he could not discuss the details with me, and there is no definite time frame set for this to occur... he was advised not to perform any repairs until further notice... and it was OK to come pick up my Explorer.

I mentioned my wife has asthma, and when this smell occurs, it is very bothersome to her, and has to reach for her inhaler for a few puffs... so she will just have to deal with this awful smell??

He stated he would call the CS manager back to discuss this with her to see if there is any temporary solution to this problem.

EDIT: Also wanted to add that I have been drivin this 2012 Escape since I brought it in Monday, and haven't smelled anything when accelerating hard!
So, IMHO, I dont think it has anything to do with the lack of the PCV...

That is all I have for now.

-ern

 

[plumbago]

ern3: I am not having any problem at all like this with our new 2013 Exp XLT ExcoBoost. At least not right now. This just should not be happening to anyone on a brand new vehicle. It may be a real health hazard to your wife. You/she may be inhaleing toxic/carcinogenic fumes. I'd seek help and file complaints with everyone I could think of if this was happening with my new Ford.

 

[FordService]

I have noticed this smell also, it's not real bad but it is there...

Javelin62,

I want to assist by escalating your concern to the Customer Service Manager for your region. Please send me a PM with your contact info, mileage, dealer name/state, and VIN.

...So far it seems random, but did notice it more after moderate breaking...

I want to see this taken care of right away, barackhussein; please see the above information to send me via PM so I can help.

Finally got the energy to take the X in for the third time to fix the same issues...

I made sure Mark will call by the end of the day today, gpzrider.

...Tested myself later that night and they same thing happened...

Our Ex also exhibits this problem with 30k miles on it...

In our car, it is a catalytic converter smell, exactly as described...

zed512, RSNovi, & VinceL,

I have your information from previous messages, so drop me a line via PM (with your current mileages), and I’ll arrange a follow-up call from your regional Customer Service Manager.

Ugh. I'm taking delivery of my new '12 tomorrow...

I wanted to check in on you to make sure you’re happy with your Explorer, tiresmoke; is everything going smoothly with your new ride?

I think the catalytic smell is more like sulphur or rotten eggs. People here seem to be comparing it to burnt oil. I'm lucky so far. No smell of either kind...

...I have had no issues since the fix. Hope this information helps.

ern3: I am not having any problem at all like this with our new 2013 Exp XLT ExcoBoost...

Peter, splurph16, & Plum,

Thanks for taking the time to help out, guys.

...Thanks again Cory for escalating this to CS. They talked to the service manager at my dealer, so he knew all about it when I got there. No hassle so far!...

You’re very welcome, ern; I’m confident they’ll take care of you.

Cory

 

[ern3]

ern3: I am not having any problem at all like this with our new 2013 Exp XLT ExcoBoost. At least not right now. This just should not be happening to anyone on a brand new vehicle. It may be a real health hazard to your wife. You/she may be inhaleing toxic/carcinogenic fumes. I'd seek help and file complaints with everyone I could think of if this was happening with my new Ford.

I was advised by the CS manager that there is no "toxins" in the fumes, and not Carbon Monoxide. The smell is only classified as an "annoyance".

Yet my wife has to puff her inhaler every time this smell occurs... :thumbdwn:

I picked up the vehicle yesterday and drove it hard to see if the problem got any better, and it did not.

I am now just waiting for them to finish the "fix" for it.

-ern

 

[tiresmoke]

I wanted to check in on you to make sure you’re happy with your Explorer, tiresmoke; is everything going smoothly with your new ride?

So far so good!

 

[Razziel24]

What a weird outcome.... I had a K&N intake installed two days ago, and ive been testing the EX under hard acceleration.... the smell has gone away.... still cant find the logic on that....

 

[Frustrated]

Pardon my ignorance, but what does the K&N intake do for you and what was the approximate cost?

thanks

What a weird outcome.... I had a K&N intake installed two days ago, and ive been testing the EX under hard acceleration.... the smell has gone away.... still cant find the logic on that....

 

[JDraper]

What a weird outcome.... I had a K&N intake installed two days ago, and ive been testing the EX under hard acceleration.... the smell has gone away.... still cant find the logic on that....

Now THAT'S interesting. Hopefully you're onto something. Please keep testing and letting us know. Mine still smells every so often and at this point I don't see Ford doing anything about it except putting their head in the sand. If you changing out the intake solves your problem permanently...

 

[Razziel24]

Pardon my ignorance, but what does the K&N intake do for you and what was the approximate cost?

thanks

It alows the engine to breath better, its supposed (K&N's claim) to increase horse power and improve MPGs.
I do feel a better throttle response, but the engine becomes more noisy, I like the new growl, but I guess not everyone does. I paid around $ 260 for the system.

Now THAT'S interesting. Hopefully you're onto something. Please keep testing and letting us know. Mine still smells every so often and at this point I don't see Ford doing anything about it except putting their head in the sand. If you changing out the intake solves your problem permanently...

Well, again... I never intended to solve this "smell" problem with the intake, but It came out good, Ive been testing the EX this past two days, and no smell whatsoever, so Im happy now...

If anyone has a theory about why this mod helped, please do share it....

 

[FordService]

...I picked up the vehicle yesterday and drove it hard to see if the problem got any better, and it did not...

I want to see this taken care of once and for all, ern; please don’t hesitate to PM me with any details you want forwarded to Linda.

So far so good!

That’s great news, tiresmoke; thanks for the update!

What a weird outcome.... I had a K&N intake installed two days ago, and ive been testing the EX under hard acceleration.... the smell has gone away...

I appreciate you taking the time to post, Razziel24; please keep me in the loop.

...Mine still smells every so often...

I have your info from previous messages, JDraper; I want to send the details to your regional Customer Service Manager, so please send me a PM with your current mileage.

Cory

 

[FlyBoy789]

What a weird outcome.... I had a K&N intake installed two days ago, and ive been testing the EX under hard acceleration.... the smell has gone away.... still cant find the logic on that....

Very interesting. I've been following this thread for some time now and I too have had my EX in to the dealer multiple times for this "smell"

At this point I had given up on my dealer fixing the problem, and honestly... it's not any dealers responsibility to figure out a solution. Why I appreciate all that Cory does for us to ensure we get top notch service from our local dealers it's time to stop escalating this problem to local service managers... escalate this problem to Ford engineers and issue a TSB, stop asking our dealers to fix an obvious design flaw that they don't have the ability to fix!

My wife is pregnant with my first child, due next month. I purchased my EX to be our primary baby-transport and I really don't want to cart around my newborn in a vehicle with these fumes...

I'm going to purchase the K&N intake to see if this fixes my problem... If it does ill send the bill to Ford...

 

[VinceL]

Can anybody suggest any labs that will take an air sample and test it so we can send the report to Ford directly, and let them proceed from there. If it turns out there IS something nasty in there, then it will be very easy to get a lot of negative publicity if Ford does nothing to rectify the situation.

On another note, I ran some tests and the rear A/C ON or OFF does not make any difference with the smell in our car. It is most directly affected by whether or not the recirc is ON or OFF. If it is ON, we get mega stink. If it is OFF, we get no to a very slight stink. I had our friend and wife sniffing it and they both said it smelled like sulfur. That makes me think catalytic converter stinkies.

EDIT:

Okay, I found a laboratory here in Houston that does all sorts of testing, including air quality. I fired off an email to them describing my situation, and asking if they could undertake such a task. I fear it will be horribly expensive, but I won't know that until I hear back from them. I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Razziel24]

Very interesting. I've been following this thread for some time now and I too have had my EX in to the dealer multiple times for this "smell"

I'm going to purchase the K&N intake to see if this fixes my problem... If it does ill send the bill to Ford...

I started a thread on the "modified" section, ill be uploading some inside videos, im guessing by thursday, so you can have a clear idea of how this intake sounds once installed.
So try to check that out, before you buy it, since it does increase engine sound, and it may not please you, if you want a quiet ride.

However, after the instalation I went for a couple of runs, I wanted to test the sound.... (which I really liked) and I noticed that the smell had dramatically decreased, and after the 3rd run, it was no longer there.... still waiting for a logical and convincing explanation from someone somewhere, but until that, im just happy with the accidental fix. I hope this may be helpful.

 

[FlyBoy789]

I started a thread on the "modified" section, ill be uploading some inside videos, im guessing by thursday, so you can have a clear idea of how this intake sounds once installed.
So try to check that before you buy it, since it does increase engine sound, and it may not please you, if you want a quiet ride.

However, after the instalation I went for a couple of runs, I wanted to test the sound.... (which I really liked) and I noticed that the smell had dramatically decreased, and after the 3rd run, it was no longer there.... still waiting for a logical and convincing explanation from someone somewhere, but until that, im just happy with the accidental fix. I hope this may be helpful.

I just purchased one from an online vendor that has a 90-day no questions asked return policy - even after its been installed. So I figure I have nothing to lose, if it fixes the smell ill be happy.

Any hey - maybe the increased engine noise will drown out the a-pillar buzz that I can't seem to get fixed either

 

[Gatortailale]

ern3: I am not having any problem at all like this with our new 2013 Exp XLT ExcoBoost.

Just to add my experience. I also have a 2013 EcoBoost now with 4900 miles and have not experienced this problem. Selecton of open or recirculate does not matter.

Those who have problem - do you have it all the time or will one brand of gas impact smell more?

Hope a resolution is found.

 

[FlyBoy789]

Just to add my experience. I also have a 2013 EcoBoost now with 4900 miles and have not experienced this problem. Selecton of open or recirculate does not matter.

Those who have problem - do you have it all the time or will one brand of gas impact smell more?

Hope a resolution is found.

It's all the time - regardless of gas. I've changed the air filter, cabin air filter and visited the dealer multiple times. I can reproduce the problem 100% of the time - Put the air on recirculate and mash the gas pedal.

 

[Joeymustang]

I havent checked but...does the Explorer intake have a tubing for inside the cabin like the 11+ mustangs do? Its just for sound purposes but it may also trigger smells...

 

[FlyBoy789]

What a weird outcome.... I had a K&N intake installed two days ago, and ive been testing the EX under hard acceleration.... the smell has gone away.... still cant find the logic on that....

So I've been looking under the hood wondering why this might have fixed your problem... The stock airbox pulls air from the fresh air duct that is forward of the engine compartment. With this intake you now have a big filter pulling air directly from the engine compartment - maybe that huge intake is sucking the fumes out of the engine compartment and your burning them before they permeate your cabin... Crazy idea... does this make sense or am I just grasping at straws???