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Electrical electrical smell

  • Thread starter Thread starter justin82
  • Start date Start date Mar 30, 2018
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justin82

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Sep 14, 2017
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Mar 30, 2018
#1
  • Mar 30, 2018
  • #1
hey guys another question...lol
driving, suddenly smell what I think was electrical...last a little bit,...I thought I was the alternator, but car hasn't died yet...ran it for about a half hour last night...any thiughts?...

thanks for answering all my questions all the time!
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,164
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Massachusetts
Mar 30, 2018
#2
  • Mar 30, 2018
  • #2
Do you mean you got a whiff of ozone that can sometimes be created by static electricity or other electrical discharge?
 

justin82

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Sep 14, 2017
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Mar 30, 2018
#3
  • Mar 30, 2018
  • #3
not sure man.....smell stayed in the cabin ...eventually went away, obviously....what's an electrical discharge?
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,164
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Massachusetts
Mar 30, 2018
#4
  • Mar 30, 2018
  • #4
Well, there's the electrical burning smell which usually smells like plastic and rubber or whatever the connector is made of when it melts.

And there's the ozone smell like 1980s video games when a spark flashes in air and creates ozone. Usually open sparking (electrical discharge) causes this
 

justin82

Active Member
Sep 14, 2017
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Mar 30, 2018
#5
  • Mar 30, 2018
  • #5
Mustang5L5 said:
Well, there's the electrical burning smell which usually smells like plastic and rubber or whatever the connector is made of when it melts.

And there's the ozone smell like 1980s video games when a spark flashes in air and creates ozone. Usually open sparking (electrical discharge) causes this
Click to expand...



I guess I'll look for melted plastic?
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
Mod Dude
Aug 25, 2016
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Mar 30, 2018
#6
  • Mar 30, 2018
  • #6
Look at the plug on the alternator real good.
 

justin82

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Mar 30, 2018
#7
  • Mar 30, 2018
  • #7
k..thanks man
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
Mod Dude
Aug 25, 2016
27,827
10,508
203
polk county florida
Mar 30, 2018
#8
  • Mar 30, 2018
  • #8
Another place to check for overheated wires/connections are the ignition switch on the lower part of the steering column and the head light and multifunction switchs
 

justin82

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Sep 14, 2017
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Mar 31, 2018
#9
  • Mar 31, 2018
  • #9
karthief said:
Another place to check for overheated wires/connections are the ignition switch on the lower part of the steering column and the head light and multifunction switchs
Click to expand...

thanks man
 
W

WillWho?

Member
Apr 1, 2018
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Apr 1, 2018
#10
  • Apr 1, 2018
  • #10
The 89.5 had a replacement alternator plug. Mine melted a few times and I replaced it with original parts. Finally I used high amp aircraft wiring and built my own, voila! Problem solved.

The ignition switch had a recall and if it has not been replaced, contact a local dealer to set an appointment.

The fog light switch also had overheating problems. I bought a new switch and a light relay. Then rewired with high amp aircraft wire and, voila! Eventually I bypassed the bright light switch that turned off the fog lights when I switched on the brights.
 
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justin82

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Sep 14, 2017
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Apr 11, 2018
#11
  • Apr 11, 2018
  • #11
I forgot, it only seems to happen I really step on it
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,164
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Massachusetts
Apr 11, 2018
#12
  • Apr 11, 2018
  • #12
Pop the hood immediately after and go smell the alternator
 

justin82

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Sep 14, 2017
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Apr 11, 2018
#13
  • Apr 11, 2018
  • #13
Mustang5L5 said:
Pop the hood immediately after and go smell the alternator
Click to expand...
thanks man....I will....tomorrow...police been wanting to replace it anyways, I'm sure its original....but I'll smell it next time it happens, damn....I wanted to drive it tomorrow to work...supposed to be 70s tomorrow
 

justin82

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Sep 14, 2017
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Apr 20, 2018
#14
  • Apr 20, 2018
  • #14
I dont see any melted wires, I do happen to have a. ignition switch....i just bought an alternator and the 2 new plugs that I'll have to splice to attach....hope that solves it
 

justin82

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Sep 14, 2017
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Apr 20, 2018
#15
  • Apr 20, 2018
  • #15
I really want to drive it tomorrow, can i?
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,164
17,860
224
Massachusetts
Apr 20, 2018
#16
  • Apr 20, 2018
  • #16
Unfortunately that's your call. I'd keep a fire extinguisher in the car though
 

justin82

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Sep 14, 2017
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Apr 20, 2018
#17
  • Apr 20, 2018
  • #17
Mustang5L5 said:
Unfortunately that's your call. I'd keep a fire extinguisher in the car though
Click to expand...
what....seriously?
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,164
17,860
224
Massachusetts
Apr 20, 2018
#18
  • Apr 20, 2018
  • #18
If something is actually burning up electrically, there's always risk of a fire.
 

justin82

Active Member
Sep 14, 2017
334
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Apr 20, 2018
#19
  • Apr 20, 2018
  • #19
Mustang5L5 said:
If something is actually burning up electrically, there's always risk of a fire.
Click to expand...


I just dont know where else to look and it's not a constant smell, that's what confuses me
 

justin82

Active Member
Sep 14, 2017
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Apr 20, 2018
#20
  • Apr 20, 2018
  • #20
so...I let it run on the side of my house for about 45min...no fire...good?...and off topic, but this an easy fix?...
 
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