Burning smoke smell when I try to start it?

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 188,000 MILES
My 1998 chevy astro van does not start and give a burning smoke smell when I try to start it. Is this the battery?
Thursday, March 21st, 2013 AT 3:43 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

You will typically get a electrical burning smoke smell when there is a burnt wire or other electrical component.
That burnt smell can come from the battery cables.
It could be from the starter motor.
Since you have a no starting issue it could be a burnt starter.
Fist check your starter relay. It is located in the junction box under the hood.
You could just have a burnt relay.
Visually check the relay for any burnt pin. You can also test the relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-electrical-system-works

I have attached the relay diagram and the starter replacement procedure for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 4:08 PM

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