Burnt smell passenger side engine room and inside

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Wifey's Mechanic, Feb 9, 2026 at 11:36 PM.

  1. Wifey's Mechanic

    Wifey's Mechanic New Member

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    2005 Prius
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    My wife complained about it smelling and smoke coming from under the hood last week after driving for 20 minutes or so home from work. It had been sitting for a lil bit before I came home. I checked oil, coolant, inverter pump, error codes on the ODB2 reader, all ok, and then cranked it it up, got a slight whiff of something burnt but was unable to locate it. I started it and idled it several times in the garage over the weekend. Eventually the smell went away and I dismissed it as something gotten onto the exhaust from the outside and cooked off.
    Then today, it came back of course. She drove to work ~ 10 miles ok. Then when she drove home she noticed it again. I cheked again and after idling it again for 7-8 minutes I noticed the smell got stronger and eventually I saw some smoke so turned the engine off. It was coming from up the front passanger side it seems, a bit down, next to the light housing. Just out of curiosity I measured the temp around the engine bay w a Harbor Garbage IR thermometer - the block ranged from 80f to 112, radiator and hoses were around 80, nothing stood out.

    But I'm at a loss on how to trouble shoot this further anyone got any ideas or experience to share?

    TIA!
     
    #1 Wifey's Mechanic, Feb 9, 2026 at 11:36 PM
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Called pictures.. brown stuff near headlight??? Pictures of smoking etc
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Feb 10, 2026 at 7:46 AM
  3. 6079smithw

    6079smithw Junior Member

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    Were the headlights on at the time? Check the connector to the headlight bulb. The lamps draw a lot of current and if the connector is loose, dirty or corroded it will get hot enough to burn/melt the connector housing, hence the smoke smell. Seen this happen quite a few times over the years. May not be the problem but you'll have one thing you can rule out...
     
    #3 6079smithw, Feb 10, 2026 at 12:12 PM
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2026 at 9:16 PM
  4. Wifey's Mechanic

    Wifey's Mechanic New Member

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    2005 Prius
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    LE
    Not seeing any and turned the car off as soon as the smoke appeared. Will run some more tests.

    Yes they were - didn't even think about the lights being a source. I'll check the housing and do some more testing!
     
    #4 Wifey's Mechanic, Feb 11, 2026 at 2:05 PM
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 11, 2026 at 2:55 PM
  5. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    If you can't find it this time keep a flashlight handy, and the next time it happens quickly get under the hood and look around. Smoke scatters light nicely and you should be able to determine the source of the smoke. (But don't breathe the smoke, it is likely to be somewhat toxic.)

    Also, inspect around and under the exhaust manifold. That is typically the hottest part of the engine compartment and any bit of plastic that lands on or sticks to it will smoke profusely.
     
    #5 pasadena_commut, Feb 11, 2026 at 4:25 PM
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