New to the Mazda Family. What is that smell?

[Infamous-D]

Hey everyone.

Just bought a 2015 CX-9, I am at 33,000 KM's

Since Sunday I have been getting an awful almost propane/exhaust/ natural gas type of smell in my cabin.

Took it in for service and they said they couldn't find anything wrong, nor could they replicate the smell on test drive. They also cleaned the cabin filter. Within 5 mins of driving home the smell was back.

Very noticeable after driving and then stopping at a light. Was really bad the other morning when I had the defrost on to get rid of some fog.

I brought up transfer case issues at the dealer and they said no issues with transfer case on the 2015's. They sent a request for additional info to Mazda Canada, but the smell is driving me crazy and giving me a headache.

Any thoughts on what it might be??

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[astriuminc]

I'm sorry to say but it sounds like a leaking transfer case from the breather valve on top, best way to tell is to get under the car and look for signs of leaking. I know exactly the smell you are describing, almost like a acrid burnt garlic smell very intense like strong propane, same description as other unlucky AWD owners

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Mazda/CX-9/2010/drivetrain/power_train.shtml

I think the transfer case is getting overheated and only a little oil is coming out on top thru the breather valve thus the dealer can't see it yet, you need to get your hands on top of the transfer case and feel for any oil.

See link

https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123847373-Changing-CX-9-transfer-case-gear-oil-(photos)

It only leaks and smells after a long drive, thus if you were waiting for the dealer to look at the car, it cooled down enough so they didn't see any leak or smell anything, as you drove home, the transfer case got hot and then you started smelling the oil again, best thing is to go for a long drive then take it straight to the dealer. Your car is still under warranty, they should cover the cost to replace the transfer case unit. Hopefully there will be no out of pocket expense but once you get anew transfer case, you'll need to start servicing it every 10K or so

 

[Infamous-D]

After insisting to the dealership that things were not normal, and to examine the transfer case, they agreed the transfer case was faulty. Internal failure they called it. Thanks for your assistance astriuminc!

 

[astriuminc]

After insisting to the dealership that things were not normal, and to examine the transfer case, they agreed the transfer case was faulty. Internal failure they called it. Thanks for your assistance astriuminc!

Glad I can help, it's good that it'll be fixed under warranty, also, like I suggested, after you get the new transfer case start servicing the oil after every 10,000 miles, the oil capacity is too little and the oil breaks down prematurely that's why the transfer case is overheating and you're smelling the vapors in the cabin. Once you start servicing the oil regularly, you should have no more problems with the transfer case.

 

[dennyd75]

Just a post script:

Some dealers will tell you the transfer case is 'sealed' and the oil is good for life. But it's not and it's not. Call your dealer and ask. If they won't service it then find a shop that will.

From everything I have read on here, changing the tc fluid every other oil change seems to be sufficient, however some people do it themselves every oil change.