Hyundai Excel ('99) Burning Plastic Smell

EXCEL1999

MEMBER
1999 HYUNDAI

After having to jump-start my Hyundai Excel ('99; 22000 miles) I noticed a smell of burning plastic.

This usually happens 5 minutes into a trip and doesn't stop until the engine is turned off.

The smell becomes more prominent when the air conditioning is turned on.

There is not indication that the engine is overheating. Engine oil and coolant levels are at their peak.

Also, I rarely drive this car as you can see from the mileage.

Regards,
Bill

4 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

Now that it is charged and you start the car normally, do you continue to smell the burnt plastic odor? Is it an older odor from the jump time if you smell it or is it a fresh smell?

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Thursday, February 1st, 2007 AT 9:37 AM

EXCEL1999

MEMBER
3 POSTS

"Now that it is charged and you start the car normally, do you continue to smell the burnt plastic odor?"

Yes. Approximately 5 to 10 minutes into a drive (been happening for the past 2 days).

"Is it an older odor from the jump time if you smell it or is it a fresh smell?"

This is definitely a fresh smell. It seems to be coming from underneth the car's bonet but when I open it (right after stopping the car) I can't pinpoint the smell and there doen't seem to be any smoke.

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Thursday, February 1st, 2007 AT 9:51 AM

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

I don't have access to a diagram of what is under your bonet. I love that term. Your vehicle is not manufactured for US. But follow the positive battery cable and see if it goes straight to the starter or through a relay. Use your sniffer to follow that line and your hand to feel the cable and components. Is the cable itself warm or hot? How about the starter? How about the alternator/generator? What you are looking for should be on the charging system and though it has not failed, it is in the process of doing so.

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Thursday, February 1st, 2007 AT 12:52 PM

EXCEL1999