Strange And Disgusting Stinky Smell While Reversng Up Hill Narrow Pass

[arak81]

Hi guys,I have come to Snowdonia National Park to spend weekend away from the crowded London. Today I have been driving the car around 85-100m/pw through N Wales Expy A55. and was enjoying the boost of the car..but at the later of the day when we came to the Snowdon Mountain I was stuck in someone else's private driveway. When i tried to reverse the car it was very narrow and also up hill. so I had to really rav the car and all of a sudden there was some stinky dirty smell in the front driver seat and and back seat. the smell was in the car for long time. I was so frightened that I thought i damaged something, but after checking everything like oil, coolant, underneath of the car I couldn't find any fault. the tires were okay too. so where this burning dirty stinky smell came from, (Smell was like burning rubber and dead animal's odour) and this smell was in the car until we reached back home safely. we will still be roaming around here in Snowdonia tomorrow and day after tomorrow we will be heading back to London. I couldn't see any garage here nearby. can anyone tell me if  have anything to worry about? thank you in advance.

[mhedwig]

Sounds like the clutch burning up

[paul.h]

Yes, sounds as if the clutch was slipping. It may still be ok for many miles so unless it starts to slip again or judders when setting off, then you can probably forget about it.

 

Snowdonia is a nice part of the UK and the scenery is brilliant, even better if there is snow on the hills.

[Rookie2]

Arak81

You can test your clutch. Block the front wheels, put the car into 3rd gear, rev the engine, leave the handbrake on and try to pull away. The car engine should stall.

If instead you see the rev counter climbing and the car does not stall then it is true to say the clutch is kaput

[paul.h]

I think it best if Arak81 gets back to London before trying this since if the clutch is good enough to drive for now, then it may be best to test it later in case the test causes it to get worse sooner rather than later. At least this way he will not be stranded in the middle of nowhere and will be at home. I remember Johndouglas posting that he does this test with the front wheels against a kerb.

[Rookie2]

You could be correct Paul, however, if doing this test proves to be the end for the clutch then I think it is safe to say the car will not make it home anyway. The test only replicates trying to drive up a steep hill with a few passengers in the car.

Personally, if I had a long journey to make, I would rather know before I set off if I am going to make it then for it to happen at 2am on some lonely country road.

 

However, as you say, the choice is Araks

[paul.h]

I would be the same as you but I have breakdown cover with relay so the car could still get home but on a trailer. Hopefully Arak will not be posting soon to say his car is stuck on Llanberis pass or another steep hill in Wales.

[arak81]

Hi guys,

thanks for your suggestions and concern about me. We had a very lovely day today...The scenic, breath-taking view of the Snowdonia mesmerised us. the steep slop, uneven,pavel, muddy road - nothing could stop the car. it runs very nicely without any problem. I don't think the clutch has any serious problem other than sometimes it doesn't properly slot in reverse gear until clutch has been pressed full.

 

Rookie2, I'll try to get my clutch and oil leaking which you advised me in my other thread checked up once I am back to London. Tomorrow we will head back...wish us luck plz..

 

Paul.h, Fault code P0238 keeps coming back and going off, but I am convenienced that DPF may have throwing this code when it has got too much soot piled up in there. I got used to it now as it is not causing any problem.

[arak81]

I've come back yesterday nicely and safely. the only problem i can see is steering wheel vibrate too much now a days. i dont know if it relates with any problem or just the engine decided to vibrate after heavy driving.

[paul.h]

Good to hear you are back and had a good time. A vibrating steering wheel is often due to the front wheels needing balancing, maybe you are due for new tyres or a balance weight has dropped off a wheel.

[arak81]

Steeeing wheel vibrates only when the car is stationary and before going to Snowdonia I did wheel tracking as well as replaced one tyre.front two tyres have good tread depth now..only other tyre I can think of may need changing is rear off side one.

[paul.h]

If it does it when you are not moving then it could be the steering wheel position adjuster lever is not fully closed or the tickover speed may be a bit low (if you slightly push on the accelerator pedal it should stop vibrating). It will not be anything to do with the wheels or suspension. You could also check the 3 engine mountings with the one at the back low down being one that might be worn.

[arak81]

Steering wheel vibrates only in the morning when the car starts from cold engine...throughout the whole day the vibration is insignificant. but if the engine is cold or starts after a long interval it vibrates.

[paul.h]

Maybe the tickover speed is a bit low when the engine is cold. Possibly the engine temp sensor is not reading correct at low temps but from your Lexia photo on one of your other topics it showed about 76°C (from memory) when warming up so it may be ok. You would need a code reader with live data to check it before starting the engine.

[Rookie2]

Is there a link between a possible faulty DMF and vibration ? worth looking into given that you are getting a smell when reversing

[arak81]

I am not getting any more odour after that day. reverse gear is also working fine. DMF was being changed 5 months ago. could driving in muddy, bumpy and hilly roads damage anything that can cause this issue?