Burning smell after climbing hills

oranbebox01

Member
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2012 GT CX9 AWD
Hi all I am new here but have owned my 12 CX9 GT AWD for almost to the day 1 year. The car now has 8k on it. Consistently every time this vehicle climbs a hill (not long or extended climbs either) and then is brought to a stop soon thereafter (stop light etc) there is a distinct burning smell. If I had to guess it smells slightly like burning plastic and reminds me of hot ATF smell. I know there are a bit of issues with the transfer cases on these cars etc. but I just want to ask if anyone has experience with this.

I do tow with this vehicle sporadically but the load never exceeds 2k pounds and is usually probably only 1500 pounds (capacity as I understand is 3500)

Any suggestions would be great. I want to get on this early during the warranty period.

Thanks!
 
Always have bought new cars and have some strange problems that usually take a few folks and or some calls to figure out. See if somewhat close to a Mazda dealership you can duplicate the problem. Then take the service mgr or who he deems his best tech on the ride to demonstrate, dont take thats normal for answer. If they can't figure out then the zone mgr for Mazda needs to be brought in. I had a strange fan noise once on new pathfinder, Nissan corporate sent in their specialist to figure out when dealership couldn't
 
I know this has been brought up before. I can't recall what the outcome was, been too long since I asked in the past.
I know our "9" did the same brand new (2009), but doesn't do it now, and I have almost 50K miles on it. I also tow, w/ no issues w/ almost the same weight you do.
 
The CX9 uses same 3.5L motor as the Ford Edge. I assume it uses the same PTU for AWD. There is a TSB out on the EDGE AWD for the PTU (power transfer unit) overheating during normal use. Burnt smells and even smoke in some cases. Check the Ford Edge forums to get the TSB number.
 
•cx-9 borrows the same long block but is bored out to 3.7. Also shares a ford maf sensor, plugs, coils. Some of us ddon't like acknowledging ford parts in our Japanese vehicles lol.
 
Well thanks for the replies guys. It seems like the problem is dissipating a but but I am going to keep an eye or nose out and I'll report back
 
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