2003 Chevy Monte Carlo 1st burning smell, now check engine

Tiny
MONTE03
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 114,000 MILES
My Monte Carlo started with a "burning" smell a couple of months ago. At first I thought I'd ran over something plastic and a piece of it had stuck to the engine somewhere. Well, the smell never has completely gone away but seemed not to be as strong. (The smell seems to be coming f/ the right side of the engine near the middle). Anyway, now my check engine light is on.

Last time I had my oil changed (1,000 miles ago, mid Jan.) I was told my trans fluid should be changed. Its never been changed as far as I know. Then he told me that sometimes this would cause the trans to go out. So I decieded to wait it out. I've noticed that when I'm speeding up quickly my car seems to "skip". It will not go from 30 mph to 50-60mph quickly without "skipping" anymore. I've also had some issues w/ my Traction Control Sys. When backing up and turning I hear a grinding noise and my Traction Active light comes on. The noise goes away quickly and then the light goes off not too long after that.

Any ideas on what this burning smell could be? I'm guessing that it has something to do with the check engine light being on. I would greatly appreicate any advice. I would like to have some idea what I'm dealing with before I go to the shop.

Thanks in advance,
April
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Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 AT 11:09 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
For starters have the PCM (computer) scanned for codes, Autozone will do it for free. If the PCM sees a problem it will store a code that will help in diagnosing the problem, get back with the exact codes. The grinding noise coming from the front? Most likely a wheel hub assembly (wheel bearing) they arent know to last that long on the GM's and can set ABS and traction control lights. When you take it in, have the cooling system checked, you may be smelling coolant burning, is the coolant level low?
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Friday, March 7th, 2008 AT 7:22 AM
Tiny
MONTE03
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  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for the reply!

I took it by Auto Zone but their machine was broken. The next day the check engine light went off and hasn't come back on. Should I just not worry about?

I'll get someone to check the coolant for me. Does Valvoline usually check that when you get your oil changed? The reason I ask is I've had my oil changed after the smell started and they didn't mention anything being low.

TIA
April
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Friday, March 7th, 2008 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Yes, you should still have it scanned, there was a problem, and still is, cars dont heal themselves or we'd all be out of work. Lol. Yes to the second question as well, any good shop will check all fluids and air pressures in the tires when doing an oil change
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Friday, March 7th, 2008 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
MONTE03
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  • 5 POSTS
I had it scanned and nothing came up. The "burning" smell is still there. I guess I will have to put it in the shop. :( I hate doing that!
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Friday, April 18th, 2008 AT 10:08 AM

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