2001 Passat Burning Smell when driving

We own a 2001 Passat and we've been having problems with a burning smell when we turn on outside air and when you are standing next to the car after it has been turned off. When the hood is lifited to investigate where the smell is coming from it isn't coming from under the hood, just somewhere around the car. We thought that it might be spilled oil from an oil change, but this is becoming an intermitten problem this is going on two years now. The VW mechanics amazingly can't smell anything when we bring it in to be service. However, everyone else that rides in our car remarks about the burning rubber smell both inside and outside of the car. We recently had to service the car because of an intermitten problem with the check engine light. We spent around 1K just having them tell us this was a common problem and the sensor was to be replaced. We regularly service the car for oil changes and warrenty checks/recalls. To no avail, the burning smell coming from the car is a mystery. If anyone has information on what could be causing this burning smell, please email us and let us know. Feedback is most appreciated.

Joanie and Bryan

bryan_ar@yahoo.com

Re: 2001 Passat Burning Smell when driving

User: casimir
Date: 10/31/2007 3:12 pm

Rating: 48 Rate [ | ]
Status: Approved

I have a 2003 Passat. I've been having the same problem lately, about 2 or 3 months.

After looking under the hood several times, I can see a bit of an oil leak at the rear of the engine, and I think (not verified) it drips on the exhaust manifold which creates the smell.

Not sure what it will take to fix...afraid to ask :(

Re: 2001 Passat Burning Smell when driving

User: sand37
Date: 11/29/2008 9:38 pm

Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
Status: Approved

Did you find out what caused the smell. I have 2003 VW passat and am having the same problem for past 3 or 4 month.

I appreciate your reply.

Sandy

Re: 2001 Passat Burning Smell when driving

User: eichhorst
Date: 12/4/2008 6:03 pm

Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
Status: Approved

Same issue on my 2000 V6 Passat. Smell is only in winter when heater is used. I have located the smell to the front passenger side, close to the headlight. Makes me wonder if it has to do with the summer/winter switch of the air filter intake. Had it all last winter and ignored it. Now that it got cold here in Michigan it is back. Hope someone can help.

Re: 2001 Passat Burning Smell when driving

User: eichhorst
Date: 12/4/2008 6:31 pm

Rating: 3 Rate [ | ]
Status: Approved

O.K. here is obviously the answer, found it on another web site (cut and paste):

I'd bet you have the "oil seeping from cam adjuster" problem. The cam adjuster for the right bank is at the rear and directly above the exhaust pipe...if oil drips down it hits pipe and burns...the intake for the cabin air is right above it...so the fumes are sucked into the cabin when heater or AC is on and fan is blowin. I had same problem...Audi published TSB saying that PCV system should be replaced B4 replacing cam adjuster gaskets/seals or valve cover gaskets since clogged PVC can lead to increased crankcase pressure which forces oil by the seals...since it is way cheaper labor wise to replace PVC (and the parts to do so are about $90 online) I did this and oil seepage stopped...been almost a year and no problems!

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