Sulfur/Burning Odor - 2011 CX-9 AWD

[kammazda]

Has anyone heard what would cause a nasty, burning/sulfur odor in a CX-9? The odor comes into the cabin through the vents. So far, 2 dealerships have not been able to pinpoint problem. I have a 2011 CX-9 AWD and the odor started about 5 days ago. Odor comes and goes and seems to get worse when accelerating.

 

[Lindyrect]

Three things cause this usually. I failing catalytic converter, overcharging of the battery by the alternator, or a failed cell of the battery. Cells that go dry can be damaged even after refilling. Overcharging of the battery can cause the electrolyte to boil releaseing sulfuric gases. My guess is the alternator since it is too new to have a cat issue or dry battery cell.

Do a search in the CX-9 forum. Someone else complained about this too.

 

[kammazda]

Thanks! I'll check those out. One similar post I saw with the same problem was a bad transfer case and the odor was the oil burning up. At least I have a few things to get me started. One dealership said a plastic bag may have been stuck to my muffler, haha!!

 

[Saustin]

I have a 2011 CX-9 and had noticed a burning odor, like burnt oil. My CX-9 has only 7,000 miles on it. Took it back to the dealer and was told that the differential is leaking oil. There is a bullitin on this. The dealer replaced the differential with a new one which corrected the problem.

 

[T.Narley]

Had a similar sulfur smell probelm on a Crown Vic at work. It was a bad battery.

 

[ceric]

Mazda's full circle inspection is usually free with coupon.
It makes sense to let them do the check
1) before 3yr/36K OE warranty expires
2) before 5yr/60K PowerTrain coverage expires

Save you money at no cost to you.