Baked potatoes

Dr Phil · Jun 3rd, 2006, 17:52

Hi,
On the odd occasion, we get the distinct waft of a smell - a cross between baked potatoes and roasted chestnuts - in the car, sometimes after a long run, sometimes after only a short while. It is certainly an organic smell, rather than anything chemical, but I just can't think of where it could be coming from, or what it is that is (presumably) heating up. (We never have any overheating probs.)

Any ideas? Or does anyone have a Volvo that produces any other natural smells?

This is a genuine question, and any help gratefully received.
Cheers
Dr Phil
'91 240

Mike_Brace · Jun 3rd, 2006, 18:18

Does the car have air-con? This can cause some funny smells.

Mike

Dr Phil · Jun 4th, 2006, 18:16

No, no air con
Thanks for the suggestion any way!

Paul Clifton · Jun 4th, 2006, 18:30

Check fuses in fuse box for corrosion/overheating especially the fuel pump one.

Jun 4th, 2006, 22:50

Hi Dr Phil

Does it appear more when you have the vents on ? If so try flushing to coolant through to get rid of any sludge build up in the heater pipes.

Otherwise as said check the fuses/relays and especially radios because they get fitted badly by the sunday mechanic who loves to use insulation tape and not the correct clips.

Also check in the engine bay for anything which appears to be burning or suffering from excessive heat.

Charlotte

Alec Dawe · Jun 5th, 2006, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlotte001

especially radios because they get fitted badly by the sunday mechanic who loves to use insulation tape and not the correct clips.Charlotte

Humpfh!!

Are you calling me a Sunday Mechanic cos I fit my own radio???

Drive you steady Bor!

Engineer · Jun 5th, 2006, 20:54

Heater motor comes to mind / resistor unit IMHO.

Alec Dawe · Jun 6th, 2006, 16:50

Ah you mean the interesting odour of gently baking resistor and tufnell??

Could be!

TOOLS · Jun 6th, 2006, 19:30

The roasting smell might be coming from a overheated relay contact, I had this no an Audi 100 I once had, took some time to find out where it was coming from, in my case it was a headlamp relay I think. But on volvo's this is under the bonnet. Incidentally I have had the headlamp bulb connector plug overheat and it could do with replacing.

Engineer · Jun 6th, 2006, 20:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOOLS

The roasting smell might be coming from a overheated relay contact, I had this no an Audi 100 I once had, took some time to find out where it was coming from, in my case it was a headlamp relay I think. But on volvo's this is under the bonnet. Incidentally I have had the headlamp bulb connector plug overheat and it could do with replacing.

No mate Audi not in the same league as Volvo back then lol.

Jun 3rd, 2006, 17:52	#1
Dr Phil human Last Online: Dec 13th, 2010 18:45 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Reading	Baked potatoes Hi, On the odd occasion, we get the distinct waft of a smell - a cross between baked potatoes and roasted chestnuts - in the car, sometimes after a long run, sometimes after only a short while. It is certainly an organic smell, rather than anything chemical, but I just can't think of where it could be coming from, or what it is that is (presumably) heating up. (We never have any overheating probs.) Any ideas? Or does anyone have a Volvo that produces any other natural smells? This is a genuine question, and any help gratefully received. Cheers Dr Phil '91 240

Jun 3rd, 2006, 18:18	#2
Mike_Brace Former contributor Last Online: Today 09:52 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Rhosgoch, Anglesey	Does the car have air-con? This can cause some funny smells. Mike __________________ A Volvo is for life not just for Christmas!

Jun 4th, 2006, 18:30	#4
Paul Clifton Paul Clifton Last Online: Jul 18th, 2023 15:50 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Wisbech View Photos By: Paul Clifton	Check fuses in fuse box for corrosion/overheating especially the fuel pump one. __________________ Paul Clifton. A man's knowledge can never outweigh his experience.

Jun 4th, 2006, 22:50	#5
charlotte001 Guest Location:	Baked Potatoes Hi Dr Phil Does it appear more when you have the vents on ? If so try flushing to coolant through to get rid of any sludge build up in the heater pipes. Otherwise as said check the fuses/relays and especially radios because they get fitted badly by the sunday mechanic who loves to use insulation tape and not the correct clips. Also check in the engine bay for anything which appears to be burning or suffering from excessive heat. Charlotte

Jun 5th, 2006, 20:54	#7
Engineer Rubbing son is racing.... Last Online: Jan 18th, 2017 14:26 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: London	Heater motor comes to mind / resistor unit IMHO. __________________ Engineer

Jun 4th, 2006, 18:16	#3
Dr Phil human Last Online: Dec 13th, 2010 18:45 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Reading	No, no air con Thanks for the suggestion any way!

Jun 6th, 2006, 16:50	#8
Alec Dawe Former Support Team Last Online: Jan 26th, 2024 11:26 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nr Norwich	Ah you mean the interesting odour of gently baking resistor and tufnell?? Could be! __________________ Alec. (My other car is a WD 2-10-0)

Jun 6th, 2006, 19:30	#9
TOOLS New Member Last Online: Mar 26th, 2014 13:26 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Barnsley, south Yorkshire	The roasting smell might be coming from a overheated relay contact, I had this no an Audi 100 I once had, took some time to find out where it was coming from, in my case it was a headlamp relay I think. But on volvo's this is under the bonnet. Incidentally I have had the headlamp bulb connector plug overheat and it could do with replacing.

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