Hi guys,

I just had my coolant reservoir replaced because it was leaking, the system was flushed and new G12 coolant was put in. However, shortly after I got it back from the mechanic, I was driving to the train station. It's been about 18 degrees here on Long Island, so I had the heat cranked up all the way (both fan and temp at highest settings). About a mile into my drive, I began smelling a putrid and very small burning-rubber like smell. I figured it was the car in front of me and I kept driving a few more yards. Then, out of the blue, a plume of smoke came out of the HVAC ducts. I pulled over, turned off the car, popped the hood to check if there was anything burning and all seemed fine. I drove the car back home and had my mom drive me to the train station, however, the car was fine the whole drive home.

Then, the other night, I drove the car about 8 miles or so on the expressway and everything seemed fine until I got off the exit. The second I got off, I got the same smell. It was dark out, so I don't know if there was any smoke. But again, the smell subsided after a minute or two and the car was fine for the rest of the drive (which was only about a half-mile longer) and the whole drive home.

I would guess it's the heater core, but I'm not getting any of the other symptoms. There's no dampness in either footwell, the coolant level is normal, and the heat works great still. What do you guys think?

 

Is the rubber gasket in place under your hood that separates the engine compartment from the battery, ecu, and pollen filter area? If not, then anything happening in the engine compartment (smoking, leaks, etc) will be drawn into the vent system and into the car. you still have a problem, but it might help you figure out where it is, or isn't.