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Home/Cars/Toyota/Corolla/E170 (2013-2019)/why does my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019) have a burning smell when driving

why does my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019) have a burning smell when driving

Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Severity: highDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
559 words

⚠️ Safety Warning

This issue requires immediate attention. If you are not experienced with automotive repairs, consult a professional mechanic. Working on critical systems can be dangerous.

Problem Statement

Discover the causes of burning smell in Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019). Follow our diagnostic steps and solutions for effective repairs.

Component
Engine
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow engine to cool before opening the hood or inspecting components.

Symptoms

  • •Burning smell detected inside or outside the vehicle
  • •Smoke rising from the engine compartment
  • •Engine overheating
  • •Poor acceleration or sluggish performance
  • •Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, such as the check engine light
  • •Unusual noises from the engine or transmission

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect under the hood for any signs of leaks, burnt fluids, or damaged components.
  2. 2Scan the vehicle's OBD-II system for any error codes that may indicate specific issues.
  3. 3Check engine oil and coolant levels to ensure they are at the correct levels and not burnt or contaminated.
  4. 4Examine the brake system for signs of overheating, such as burnt brake pads or seizing calipers.
  5. 5Inspect the transmission fluid for proper levels and condition; burnt fluid may indicate transmission issues.
  6. 6Test drive the vehicle to replicate the burning smell and observe under what conditions it occurs.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools and parts.
  • Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
  • Disconnect the battery to ensure safety while working on electrical components.

2. Inspect and Replace Fluids

  • Engine Oil:
    • Check the dipstick for oil quality; if burnt, drain the old oil and replace with manufacturer-recommended oil.
    • Replace the oil filter.
  • Transmission Fluid:
    • If the fluid is burnt, drain and replace it with the correct type of fluid as per the owner's manual.
    • Check for leaks in the transmission system.
  • Coolant:
    • Inspect the coolant reservoir and replace any burnt or low coolant.

3. Brake System Inspection

  • Visual Inspection:
    • Remove the wheels and inspect brake pads and rotors for wear.
    • Replace burnt or worn brake pads and ensure calipers are functioning properly.

4. Electrical Component Check

  • Wiring Inspection:
    • Check for frayed or burnt wiring in the engine compartment.
    • Repair or replace any damaged wires or connectors.

5. Reassemble and Test

  • Reconnect the battery.
  • Reinstall any components removed during inspection.
  • Start the vehicle and allow it to reach operating temperature, monitoring for burning smells or warning lights.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Socket set
  • Brake tool kit
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Multimeter

Parts Required

  • Engine oil
  • Oil filter
  • Transmission fluid
  • Brake pads (if needed)
  • Coolant (if needed)

Additional Information

Component

Engine

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

high

Tools

5 items

Parts

5 items

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