Jim, who was visiting the countryside for the weekend, was in for quite a surprise… he just didn’t know it. While driving through a dimly lit country road, Jim noticed a ghastly scent in the cockpit of his European sports sedan. Convinced it was nothing, Jim continued driving through the dark wilderness in search for the local hotel. Suddenly, Jim felt a severe chill run down his body. A hazy white phantom entered the vehicle and attached itself to the windshield! Terrified, Jim stopped the vehicle and ran far, far away, never to be seen again. Don’t let the fear of a fogged windshield scare you! Use this Real Fix to stay out of harm’s way and find the source of the horrid smell.
Vehicle
1995, BMW 325i, 2.5L
Title
Burning Smell Inside Vehicle, Replaced Heater Core
Complaint
The customer states there is a burning smell coming from inside the vehicle and the windshield is fogging up.
Cause
Confirmed the customer’s complaint and verified that the windshield fogged up with the engine running, and the vehicle exhibited a burning smell. Upon further inspection, determined the smell was similar to burning engine coolant. Allowed the vehicle to reach operating temperature, turned the heater control knob to the “on” position, and found the heater did not blow hot air. Gained access to the vehicle’s heater core, performed an inspection, and found the heater core was leaking engine coolant.
Correction
Replaced the heater core, performed a road test, and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.
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