DB9 V12 Auto Burning Smell
DB9 V12 Auto Burning Smell
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Discussion

stevecur

Original Poster:

20 posts

146 months

Tuesday 11th November 2014
quotequote all
Hi all

I've got a DB9 V12 Coupe Auto (2008)

I've had it for about 4 months now.

I noticed a burning smell when using the paddles at high revs.

I've also noticed this when I'm idling along at say 50 in auto and then put my foot right down.

Initially I thought it might be the catalytic converter but today, after a good thrash around, I've concluded it's definitely burning.

No warning lights and I've not noticed any problems driving. All brake pads replaced about a month ago. Apparently, my discs were 80% worn...

Anyone have any ideas on what it could be?

Thanks in advance, all

V12Vanquish

477 posts

169 months

Tuesday 11th November 2014
quotequote all
Check each wheel for a sticking brake calliper piston, watch you don't burn your fingers.
Check for plastic bag or other such foreign picked up and stuck to the exhaust system.
Check radiator for foreign matter cooking on there and causing a smell.
Check under bonnet for plastic component or wires touching the exhaust manifolds.

You should be able to suss out where it is coming from.

stevecur

Original Poster:

20 posts

146 months

Tuesday 11th November 2014
quotequote all
Roger that.

Will take a look tomorrow.

Thanks again

toohuge

3,495 posts

246 months

Tuesday 11th November 2014
quotequote all
How many miles has your car done?

I would be concentrating on the automatic transmission for the burning smell, especially as it occurs at high revs / load.


stevecur

Original Poster:

20 posts

146 months

Tuesday 11th November 2014
quotequote all
It's just topped 30,000.

If it's the auto transmission, is that going to be the same kind of cost to repair as it would to replace the clutch?

In the 2000 miles I have done, I have had no problems apart from about a month ago when the car failed to engage a gear in assist mode ("No drive") or something similar on the dash.

I've read up about this and it seems quite common to happen once or twice a year so not sure if it's related...

Edited by stevecur on Tuesday 11th November 18:48

toohuge

3,495 posts

246 months

Tuesday 11th November 2014
quotequote all
I'm not an expert by any means... however, hopefully the burning smell is caused by a leak rather than an over heating transmission.

It is common for automatic cars to have a separate cooling system for the transmission fluid, there have been cases of the DB9 transmission system leaking and this could be a relatively swift repair.

Failing that, the transmission fluid could be low and is getting hot causing this smell.

I would hope that there is a plastic bag or something wrapped the exhaust or something, but if the underside is clear of debris and the brakes check out fine, a close inspection of the transmission and cooling system may lead to something. I don't know whether the gearbox has a dip stick - many don't nowadays, if it does check the level and smell the fluid - trans fluid smells awful at the best of times, but shouldn't smell burnt.

Chris

stevecur

Original Poster:

20 posts

146 months

Thursday 13th November 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies all.

I'm taking it to Chiltern Aston on Tuesday.

Guy I spoke to on the phone seemed to think it was an oil leak on transmission. Will report back once I know for sure.

Cheers