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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
ICE engine kicks on and driving on freeway for 10 minutes when strong smell of burnt plastic and or rubber permeates cabin. Overwhelmingly unpleasant for the duration of the drive. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this for a prolonged period of time. Vehicle history is over 1000 miles and has happened everytime ICE engine kicks on and driving over 60mph. Highly unusual.
 

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Silly question, but have you checked the level of the coolant? I don't have a gen 2 so I can't tell you if this is normal. Seems high. On my ELR I think the temp is maybe 25F below that, but that's IIRC. Others have reported a smell, which may be what you're describing, which went away as more miles were put on the engine.
 

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210 is not too unusual. When you get this open the hood. Is there any smoke and from where. Accessory drive belt or exhaust system would be likely. Good time to check coolant and engine oil levels. After 1500 miles this should be in the past. Any chance of hitting some debris on the road? From another post you seem to be having problems with EV range and fuel economy. Dealer visit likely.
 

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Take it to your dealer and have them check the coolant hose. Some vehicles were built with it routing right past a piece of metal that slowly digs into the hose and causes leaks.

I have never seen my coolant go above 201 *F...and if it does, it always promptly drops back down to the 190s.
 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Coolant level is normal, no warning signs on the dash. No smoke coming from under the hood or anywhere else. Already taken to dealer and they stated it was normal? Fans running when ICE kicks up are extremely loud. Especially the rear right sided one.
 

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Oil drips on the engine?
 

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As some said in the other thread. This could be a hung brake caliper and it's just a coincidence that you smell it when the engine is running. Again, are all the brake rotors the same color? If one is hung up, or hangs up occasionally, that rotor will be a different color.

All engines will burn off a little build oil and paint overspray when new.
 

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My new volt had a burning plastic smell, too, when I first bought it. Usually most noticeable on the highway when using the hand-paddle break, and if the vents were on. The dealer looked at and saw no problems, and said that there is like a film or something on some of the engine parts that will burn off.
 

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The first few times I did long highway trips (95C=203F) it smelled very bad when I slowed to city driving. It faded after a few minutes.
It happened 3 times at the most. Whatever it was, it burned off. No smells at all now.
 

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What is the highest coolant temperature fellow members have seen on the volt? After a 230+ mile continuous drive on freeway mostly, mine went to 240F. Smell was toxic.

I believe you are in So Cal. Who is your dealer? It may be worth a trip to Northridge and a visit to Rydell. They are one of the largest Volt dealers in the country and have a large service department with a number of dedicated Volt techs.
 

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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
Dealer says a lot of the stuff should disappear after driving significantly more (5000+ miles)

apparently normal for bad smell, high coolant temp, wild mpg swings to occur in the beginning

It's not like the warranty expires anytime soon so should be fine
 

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Well, I never noticed any smells. But I also drove 800 miles at 60 MPH bringing it back home...
 

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with 1500 miles on the clock, odds are a good portion of those are EV miles, so basically the engine is still brand spanking new with all the coatings/lubricants/etc.

I had the same burning rubber smell too when I would pull into my garage if I happened to be on ICE power coming home, I do about 70% of all my miles in EV though. Either way, you don't really have anything to worry about, mine did the same thing and was fine after a while.

heh my 2017 is already about to hit 16,000 miles :p
 

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Discussion Starter · #16 ·
with 1500 miles on the clock, odds are a good portion of those are EV miles, so basically the engine is still brand spanking new with all the coatings/lubricants/etc.

I had the same burning rubber smell too when I would pull into my garage if I happened to be on ICE power coming home, I do about 70% of all my miles in EV though. Either way, you don't really have anything to worry about, mine did the same thing and was fine after a while.

heh my 2017 is already about to hit 16,000 miles :p
Wow, 70% of 16000 also in EV only? That's amazing either way. What (if any) problems have you come across through 16,000 miles if I may ask? Any issues with battery, coolant, etc? Have you even had to do your first oil change?
 

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Not sure about plastic smell, but I and many others have reported a slow oil leak from poorly sealed oil pan. The oil drips or is wind blown onto nearby exhaust and causes an odor when on ICE. Took it to the dealer and they had to remove and reseal the oil pan. Seems fine since (about 5 months ago). I have about 7500 on the car now.
 

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Discussion Starter · #18 ·
Not sure about plastic smell, but I and many others have reported a slow oil leak from poorly sealed oil pan. The oil drips or is wind blown onto nearby exhaust and causes an odor when on ICE. Took it to the dealer and they had to remove and reseal the oil pan. Seems fine since (about 5 months ago). I have about 7500 on the car now.
when did you first notice the oil leak/poorly sealed oil pan in terms of mileage if I may ask?
 
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