2002 Mazda Tribute ES. Burning smell in Cabin when driving uphill

vinnet · 2025-10-01T11:18:50-0400

Hi,

I am the owner of a 2002 Mazda Tribute ES - V6 - 145K miles. Auto transmission. For the last several months, I have noticed a burning smell in the cabin. The smell was like burning rubber. It would come into the cabin when I would have my AC or vents on.

I had a leaking coolant tank that was dripping on the exhaust manifold. So that was replaced, but I still had the burning smell.

I went back to the mechanic and we found the power steering pump was leaking. So that was replaced. The burning smell went away and I thought we found the issue.

Last weekend I had a long trip where I was driving uphill and I smelled that burning smell. I looked under the hood and the smell was potent. I could not find where the leak was.

Currently, the problem only shows up when I have been driving uphill for at least several minutes. Reading through similar threads it could be a leak and airflow could be pushing fluid onto my hot engine or exhaust manifold.. I have checked my oil levels and my tank is full. I checked the transmission fluid and it is full too. I'm not sure if I have a leak with either system.

I'm reaching out to hear if anyone else has had a similar situation and could tell me what was your issue or any tips in trying to find out what is causing this? Because the problem only appears when I'm going uphill for a while, it has been hard to troubleshoot and the problem is somewhat livable but I'd like to get to the bottom of it if I could.

dwightbresemann · 2025-10-01T17:07:30-0400

Check the rear of the valve covers for leaking oil. Oil drips on the exhaust and it smells.

vinnet · 2025-10-01T19:19:11-0400

Any chance you have a picture of what I'm suppose to look at? I'm not sure what Rear of the Valve covers is referring to?

dwightbresemann · 2025-10-01T22:05:40-0400

So the valve cover sits on top of the cylinder head. The ignition coils sit on top of the valve covers. The firewall sits between the cabin area and engine bay. In the engine bay, close to the firewall, look where the valve cover meets the cylinder head. This is where they tend to leak. It's a maintenance item. The front cover is easy to see the leak. There will also be staining on the exhaust manifold.

vinnet · 2025-10-02T08:24:48-0400

Thank you for the pictures and video. That helped a lot. You are referring to the valve cover gasket. I had that replaced a year ago. I'll check it for leaks.

dwightbresemann · 2025-10-02T10:41:10-0400

Yes, the valve cover gaskets. I find this most often the cause of the smell you described.

vinnet · 2025-10-02T12:24:03-0400

Hi, I think you are on to something. This is my engine compartment. The cover circled in green is where I had a gasket replaced. The cover circled in Red is likely the problem. I see signs of leaking there. I'm going to bring to my mechanic to get that gasket replaced. I'll post an update in a few weeks if that solved the problem.

dwightbresemann · 2025-10-02T14:04:21-0400

Yes, it looks like a leak. It's the most common leak when there is a complaint of an odd burning smell. Good luck and good post.

Mountain Escape · 2025-10-03T23:33:21-0400

I recommend carrying a fire extinguisher… Safety first my friend

you have not circled the valve cover gasket

Just do a general search of the Internet for a valve cover… It's right on the top of the engine, typically visible unless you have the plastic cover over it all

after you have gone up a hill, pulling into a garage with a bright flashlight… You're going to have to use your eyes I think

you'll likely see smoke

2002 Mazda Tribute ES. Burning smell in Cabin when driving uphill

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities