Hot smell with new 06 Limited V-8 4x4

[Atomic 4Runner]

I just got a new Limited 4x4 V-8. I've driven it about 20 miles and there's an odor like a hot soldering iron. I haven't had a new car in 6 years, but I sure don't remember one smelling like this in the past. Is this the "new" engine smell burning off?

Is this anything that needs to be checked out, or should I just drive it a few more miles first? Fluids all checked out fine, and I have no complaints at all other than the smell. It's hard to enjoy the new car smell when you think something is going to catch on fire.

Hopefully the smell will go away by the time I learn all the new features on this thing?

 

[Northof49]

I'd say it's normal....the mufflers definetly burn in a bit for the first while.

Also if it's undercoated and they hit the exhaust a little that needs to burn off, and possible even the new brakes could give off a little odor. I wouldn't be worried, they all stink brand new.

 

[sketch1]

Don't know what it could be. All I know is that mine didn't have any smell like that. You might want to check it out. Or someone who knows what they are talking about might chime in and correct me.

 

[Black 06 Limit]

I picked up my Black 06 Limited 4X4 last weekend and I noticed the same smell at first. I now have about 700 miles on it, and I don't notice it much anymore. I wasn't really concerned about it because I test drove several and they all had this smell. If you hear otherwise please let me know.

 

[horsey]

Don't worry about the smell. It's probably all the new things heating up and breakin in. My car had that for the first few hundred miles. Just enjoy your new Limited.

 

[BenSD]

perfectly normal. My 04 had that smell for a while. The sales guy said that it's the oils burning off various parts in the engine when the engine really heats up for the first time. Makes sense to me.

 

[LS1JAY]

That's normal for a new car.

 

[Kailua250]

I picked up my 4WD Limited V8 one week ago and I had a burning smell. I narrowed it down to the brakes. I didn't smell it after the third day.

 

[00328]

I think it has more to do with the new exhaust system getting hot. Will probably smell for the first few times you drive it.
Perfectly normal.

 

[toto]

Mine smelled funny, too, for the first 700 miles or so. Every time I stopped at a light, the smell immediately got stronger for an instant. I thought it might have been exhaust coming in from the back, but then I noticed the same smell coming from the grille area when I got of the truck one day. It's something "burning in" in the engine compartment. Don't worry - the smell will go away.

 

[wilsoncwil]

I have a V8 that's over 1 yrs old (10k miles) and I still get that smell you described. Since there are no maintenance lights turning on or any smoke I just ignore it.

 

[LS1JAY]

I think it has more to do with the new exhaust system getting hot. Will probably smell for the first few times you drive it.
Perfectly normal.

Bingo! That's usually the culprit. I remember putting new headers on 2 of my previous cars (Camaro SS & a Firebird Formula) and they smelt like something was burning for quite sometime. A combination of grease getting on them after the install as well as the coating on them.

 

[Mark86]

That is perfectly normal. My truck did that as well. By the way, I really like your avatar! I didn't see my 4Runner come off the truck.

 

[iFORCE]

normal.



you should smell my parent's 4runner when we first got it with undercoating.. smelly!!

 

[Atomic 4Runner]

Good news. It's day two for my new truck, and already the "hot" smell has dissipated and is almost gone. The "new car" smell is still there, and I am charging folks at work just to sit inside and enjoy the fragrance. (just kidding)


Thanks for everyone's advice; the problem smell is going away, and now I can concentrate on trying to learn how to use all of these neat options.

Gee, it's true, once you are over 50, the learning curve becomes a lot bigger!

 

[Atomic 4Runner]

Car Carriers

By the way, I really like your avatar! I didn't see my 4Runner come off the truck.

This was a newer model car carrier, where they use heavy-duty nylon straps around the tires to secure the vehicle. No more chains and hooks. And while it's on the truck, you sure have a great opportunity to check out the underside!

 

[Sac State]

The 4Runner is built in Japan and they apply a salt inhibiting spray on the vehicles for ocean crossing. The spray will burn off once you start driving it.

 

[LS1JAY]

Hey Atomic 4Runner, I'll be up in the Smokeys next week. I'm leaving tomorrow for N.C. and we'll be heading up to the Smokeys some time next week. How's the weather right now?

 

[no1sportz]

I was gonna jump and let you know that smell is normal but I see you have already figured that out! Congrats on the new ride!

Wanna smell somethng else weird that will knock your socks off? Put your rear window down half way while driving and then get on the gas about 3/4 throttle. Hold the throttle for a few seconds as you accelerate and then back off and just cruise. Within 10-15 seconds you will experience what those behind you get to smell all the time.

This is also fun to do when you have a friend following you...lol.

 

[madison4runner]

Burning Smell

Burning smell !
I drive a 2003 Runner V8 Sport Edition. I too have this burning smell...It smells like an oil burning smell. I usually smell it when I just get going, no speed really just usually rolling easy. This doesn't happen all the time, only occasionally. I have 50,000 miles on this 2003 model. I'm always dumbstruck at what this smell could be. Other than this 'he' seems to be running fine. There has to be an official reason???? Any help would be wonderful

Thanks
Madison 4Runner Sport