A sulfur smell is usually associated with an exhaust system problem. Next time you smell it, stop and smell the exhaust at the tail pipe. If you smell it there, suspect an engine misfire or over-fueling problem. These conditions should be detected by the engine computer which will turn on the Check Engine light and set a related diagnostic fault code. The smell could be coming through the fresh air duct from outside the car.
Also look around the bottom right side of the dash. Worn brushes or tight bearings in the heater fan motor can lead to higher than normal current flow which can overheat wires. Hot wire insulation gives off an acrid, nose hair burning smell.
You've already noticed one clue, the smell goes away after a few minutes. Before you turn on the heater, try smelling under the hood right after starting the engine and a few minutes later to see if that's where the smell is originating from.
Caradiodoc
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 AT 7:30 AM
