Going up hills I get a hot metal smell what is it?
Asked by Vandura_2590 Jan 25, 2017 at 06:00 PM about the 1997 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Sport 4WD SUV
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
It is not an oil or antifreeze or transmission fluid smell it is like hot metal. I
checked the thermostat and water pump, the radiator seems to be working fine.
And it is only up hill. All fluid levels are perfect and my engine temp never goes
above 1/4 of the gage.
6 Answers
Should have the exhaust checked. Sounds like the catalytic converter may be starting to plug up.
Vandura_2590 answered 7 years ago
What will that do if it plugs up and in a 1997 do I need to replace the cat or can I just pass it by with pipe?
Sounds like the catalytic converter in getting plugged up. You can not bypass it as it will turn on the check engine light and not pass smog check and it's illegal in most states
You need the cat. for emissions and it affects the way the motor runs. You will eventually start loosing power. The cat. needs to be replaced if it is starting to get plugged.
You can have a generic converter installed for not a lot of money. If you live in the land of Fruits and Nuts make sure it is Kalifornia approved. Your car will run much better after you replace the old converter.
Vandura_2590 answered 7 years ago
Cool thanks and no I don't live in the land of beautiful sunsets I live in the land of taxes!!(Massachusetts)
