I couldn't find much on the subject so sorry if I missed something.

Please help if you can. My situation is this - I have a 08 X with around 15,000 miles - daily driver only - only an intake and IC pipes for mods.

I noticed a burning smell near the rear of my car a few months ago. It comes and goes every now and then. It's usually worse after a highway drive. I knew something wasn't right, but I couldn't find anything. I religiously check fluids, but hadn't checked my AYC fluid in the trunk for a little while. I checked it today just out of curiousity and sure enough, I'm sitting around the "min" mark. I guess it could be leaking (I couldn't find any indications of a leak and the weather prevents me from doing any real checks.) Or the rear diff is burning it. Anyone encounter a similar issue? No DTC or errors on the dash so far.

The way I understand it, the AYC fluid (it's actually ATF) only works on the hydraulics and clutches involved in the rear diff. The diff itself has it's own LSD gear oil. Could the two somehow be mixing? Then what would cause the burning smell? I hope it's just a leak and dripping on the exhaust.

Anyhow, I made an appointment with the dealer (good dealer, great mech, no BS). Has anyone had any similar problems? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Check under your rear seat cushion. People have commented on the styrofoam at the bottom of their cushion burning and causing a burning smell.

 

x2

 

Okay, thanks guys, I'll run out right now. I used to keep up with all the news on this site, but haven't lately.

 

I have noticed the same thing also. I never really thought much of it though and my AYC fluid is also sitting at the min mark. I was thinking it may recirculate back up in the reservoir once it cools or something. I haven't checked it since then though.

 

I just ran out to check it and it is back up to the max level so I imagine it all has something to do when you check it.

 

i checked the AYC reservior last month after i drove for 30min from work. the fluid level was just above the min mark, when i opened the cap the fluid level went back up to more than halfway. ...pressure related?

 

if you are running LOW, like below operating conditions, you will get a service required light that will come on after driving it for a while. I had the same problem for about a month till i figured it out. The Service required light would come on after driving for a little while 5-10 mins then not go off till i restarted the car, then the cycle would continue.

 

Did you check the rear seat?

 

i have the same burning smell from the back cant pin point it i checked under the seats but its not from there everytime i push my car or do spirited driving i can start o smell a burning smell but i dont know where its coming from i have a stock car only a drop in air filter

 

Plastic bag stuck to the exhaust?

 

nop i allready checked for that