Burning smell from HVAC system

[Mbrooks420]

If these pull away from the window and are turned on they likely burn up since they lose their ability to conduct their heat into the glass.

 

[1depd]

I noticed the smell once. I also used the remote start and is was cold after work. I remembered thinking this could be an issue, but after that one time I haven't noticed it again. I use the remote start almost everyday.

 

[Kernfam14]

My 2021 does it also. Only on remote start on cold days, I have cloth floor mats.

I just bought a brand new 2021 explorer ST 14- days ago. I smelled the odor during our test drive & the salesman said it was just things burning off of the new engine. Well, 10-days after purchase my car started alerting me that the engine coolant was over temperature and to pull over. Pulled over and got out of the car to find coolant pouring out of the engine onto the ground. Just got a call from the Ford dealership and it’s a cracked radiator. Worst part they have no radiators currently in stock due to the parts shortage caused by covid & have no idea when they might get the replacement radiator in! Now I’m out my new car being forced to use a tiny loaner Ford Edge that doesn’t have a 3rd row for our large family and I’ll be making my first car payment on something I haven’t even been able to enjoy using! I’m sooooo frustrated! I too would smell the strange sent (almost like a gas smell or burning electrical) and it would come and go at random times during the 10-days I was able to drive it. Sorry you too are smelling some strange things with your 2021 & hope your outcome is better than mine.

 

[1depd]

I just bought a brand new 2021 explorer ST 14- days ago. I smelled the odor during our test drive & the salesman said it was just things burning off of the new engine. Well, 10-days after purchase my car started alerting me that the engine coolant was over temperature and to pull over. Pulled over and got out of the car to find coolant pouring out of the engine onto the ground. Just got a call from the Ford dealership and it’s a cracked radiator. Worst part they have no radiators currently in stock due to the parts shortage caused by covid & have no idea when they might get the replacement radiator in! Now I’m out my new car being forced to use a tiny loaner Ford Edge that doesn’t have a 3rd row for our large family and I’ll be making my first car payment on something I haven’t even been able to enjoy using! I’m sooooo frustrated! I too would smell the strange sent (almost like a gas smell or burning electrical) and it would come and go at random times during the 10-days I was able to drive it. Sorry you too are smelling some strange things with your 2021 & hope your outcome is better than mine.

That loaner would be a no go for me. "I bought a Ford Explorer ST for a reason the loaner you are giving me won't work with my family. Loan me an Explorer ST or get my car fixed. Hey look at that you have a perfectly suitable radiator in the ST sitting right there on your lot." I would be elevating this to a Ford representative for resolution for those exact reasons.

 

[peterk9]

I just bought a brand new 2021 explorer ST 14- days ago. I smelled the odor during our test drive & the salesman said it was just things burning off of the new engine. Well, 10-days after purchase my car started alerting me that the engine coolant was over temperature and to pull over. Pulled over and got out of the car to find coolant pouring out of the engine onto the ground. Just got a call from the Ford dealership and it’s a cracked radiator. Worst part they have no radiators currently in stock due to the parts shortage caused by covid & have no idea when they might get the replacement radiator in! Now I’m out my new car being forced to use a tiny loaner Ford Edge that doesn’t have a 3rd row for our large family and I’ll be making my first car payment on something I haven’t even been able to enjoy using! I’m sooooo frustrated! I too would smell the strange sent (almost like a gas smell or burning electrical) and it would come and go at random times during the 10-days I was able to drive it. Sorry you too are smelling some strange things with your 2021 & hope your outcome is better than mine.

Welcome to the Forum.
I'm wondering if you have 2 different issues going on. The burning smell and the cracked radiator. I don't believe a leaking rad would cause the smell that you mentioned. Also, if the rad was cracked when you bought the vehicle, there surely would have been signs of it leaking long before 10 days have gone by. As for the loaner, Ford is not obliged to provide loaners/rentals to its customers. It is mentioned in the Warranty Guide. If a loaner is supplied, it is at the dealer's expense unless they received approval from Ford.

Peter

 

[Keithn]

I just bought a 2022 Ford Explorer and I get the smell when I auto start in the cold as well. I was told by the dealer it is a anti rust chemical they spray on the underside. Should go away over time. Anyone else come across this.

 

[peterk9]

I just bought a 2022 Ford Explorer and I get the smell when I auto start in the cold as well. I was told by the dealer it is a anti rust chemical they spray on the underside. Should go away over time. Anyone else come across this.

Welcome to the Forum Keith.
Is "they" Ford at the factory or the dealer? I have never encountered it with any of my vehicles.

Peter

 

[RickyG]

I just bought a 2022 Ford Explorer and I get the smell when I auto start in the cold as well. I was told by the dealer it is a anti rust chemical they spray on the underside. Should go away over time. Anyone else come across this.

Not true, that dealership is giving you a BS story

 

[Keithn]

Welcome to the Forum Keith.
Is "they" Ford at the factory or the dealer? I have never encountered it with any of my vehicles.

Peter

Ya just got it Friday from the dealer .had 5 miles on it.

 

[peterk9]

Ya just got it Friday from the dealer .had 5 miles on it.

In that case, what they said may be true. Give it a week or so and see if it clears up.

Peter

 

[Keithn]

Ty

In that case, what they said may be true. Give it a week or so and see if it clears up.

 

[BorisM]

I just bought a 2022 Ford Explorer and I get the smell when I auto start in the cold as well. I was told by the dealer it is an anti rust chemical they spray on the underside. Should go away over time. Anyone else come across this.

I’ve had my 2021 explorer for 14 months now. Had the burning smell issue since beginning. Very similar. Outside temp must be below 30. I air out the car and never smell it after I start driving. Dealer says give us the car so we can attempt to reproduce.

 

[peterk9]

Ty

If you are still around do you have any update?

Peter

 

[peterk9]

I’ve had my 2021 explorer for 14 months now. Had the burning smell issue since beginning. Very similar. Outside temp must be below 30. I air out the car and never smell it after I start driving. Dealer says give us the car so we can attempt to reproduce.

Welcome to the Forum.
Is this the first time you have involved the dealer? Please report any findings. Thanks.

Peter