Q: Burning or hot smell coming from under the back of car 2009 Dodge Journey

asked by on January 17, 2017

It is a hot smell coming from back of car. It's not the brakes. Almost smells like the exhaust is getting to hot. Just can't pin point it. Wonder if there is a restriction in the muffler. Seams to have goood flow coming out.

My car has 120000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Smell in the car Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there - there could be several causes for "something’s hot": a clogged catalytic converter, dragging brake, blocked muffler, and so on. This task might require a remote infrared heat sensor (so you don’t have to crawl under the vehicle), and several "drive a bit and check temperatures quickly". I recommend a vehicle inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Hood can’t stay shut
As far as I know, all vehicles meant to be used in the United States should have a double latch system. These systems have a primary latch which holds the hood down all the way and is released by the...
How do I cancel the security alarm system?
The security alarm system will be automatically canceled any time a key or remote transmitter is used to unlock the doors, or when a key is used to turn the vehicle on.
What does the tire pressure Warning Light mean?
The tire pressure Warning Light is located on the instrument cluster. When the tire pressure Warning Light is illuminated, it means that one of your vehicle’s tires is not properly inflated. Any time the tire pressure Warning Light comes on,...
Car stalls when it is heated up
These vehicles have a lot of issues with the wiring modules and harness connectors. The pins and connectors are really small and can loose contact really easily. The reason the MAF and fuel pump is going bad is not the...
Idling while driving
The main issue you have here is the number of miles on your car. With this many miles, most cars would have been completely worn out. Unless you have taken meticulous car of your car, it is often necessary to...
My car wont go when press on gas pedal
If the engine runs normally and in park you can accelerate the engine (gently, to a couple thousand RPM ONLY) but when you put the car in drive the car won't move that means one or more of the following...
I'm losing power steering after replacing rack and pump
First you need to see that the fluid level is correct. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-your-power-steering-fluid-level-by-jerel-lawrence) Bring the engine up to operating temperature and check the fluid at the reservoir. Top it up with Pentosin CHF11 hydraulic fluid. The fluid gets foamy when it...
How do u take the windshield washer reservoir out of a 2010 ford f 250 super duty
Hi there. The process for replacing the windshield washer fluid reservoir is very simple. You might want to review this page to see how we complete this process (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/windshield-washer-reservoir-replacement) or search online for step-by-step procedures for this job. If you...
I press on gass pedal but it feels heavy
Hi There, It sounds like you are describing the symptoms of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement) monitors the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position on...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Interior Designer
As As an interior designer, you need to transport a great many different items, including fabric, paint and wallpaper samples and sometimes even furniture items. You probably don’t handle overly large loads very often, and when you have to, you’ll...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Electronic Ignition Pickup
If your car has an electronic distributor ignition system and the engine stalls or car does not start, you may have to replace the ignition pickup.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Water Pump
Common signs include coolant leaks at the front-center of the car, loose water pump pulley, overheating engine, and steam coming from the radiator.