What Causes a Burning Smell from the Car AC After Starting the Engine?
3 Answers
The reasons for a burning smell from the car AC after starting the engine are: 1. The air intake of the AC is blocked, preventing the hot air inside from being blown out and causing the heat to accumulate, which burns the plastic components; 2. Aging wiring, where the circuit gets scorched by heat during electric heating, or plastic components shifting internally, leading to overheating. Maintenance methods for car AC: 1. Regularly check the refrigerant and compressor oil; 2. Clean the surface of the condenser; 3. Clean the surface of the evaporator. The functions of car AC are: 1. To adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow inside the car cabin to an optimal state, providing a comfortable environment for passengers and reducing travel fatigue; 2. To create favorable working conditions for the driver, serving as a crucial ventilation device for ensuring safe driving.
I also encountered this situation when repairing my car. When I started the engine and turned on the air conditioning, I smelled a burning odor. I suspect it's most likely caused by a short circuit or overheating in the wiring. Wires in older cars tend to degrade, and high summer temperatures make problems more likely. For example, poor contact in the wiring near the air conditioning fan can cause excessive current when the blower is turned on, leading to smoke and a foul smell. Last year, my old car had this issue. I immediately turned off the air conditioning and checked under the hood, finding a burnt spot in the fuse box. I quickly replaced the fuse and fixed the problem, but ignoring it for too long could lead to a fire. So, I recommend that as soon as you smell something unusual, shut off the engine and inspect under the hood. If you have the tools, use a multimeter to test the circuits; otherwise, drive straight to a repair shop. Regularly cleaning the engine bay also helps reduce dust buildup that can cause short circuits.
As a mom who frequently drives my kids to school, I get nervous whenever I smell a burning odor when the car's AC starts up. My child says it smells like scorched rice crust, which is really scary. It might be that leaves or small insects got into the AC vents and produced a strange smell when heated by the heater. Once, I was driving to the supermarket and noticed the smell right after leaving home. I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine, ventilated the car, and then tried turning on the external circulation to see if the smell changed. Experts say this issue is common, but safety comes first. Never continue driving, as it could be an electrical problem causing a short circuit and burning something. Protecting the kids is the top priority. I recommend parking away from bushes to reduce debris flying into the vents and checking the AC filter and engine compartment monthly to ensure cleanliness. If this happens, don’t panic—pull over, turn on the hazard lights, wait half an hour for the smell to dissipate, and try again. If the smell persists, contact a mechanic.
