Burnt Coffee smell from car

[seniorcit]

Our Volvo 940 gives off a burnt coffee smell which is noticed on the passenger side when we get out. It quickly goes once the engine is swithed off and the bonnet opened so difficult to trace. No warning lights come on in the car and ir is not overheating. My husband has had a look under the bonnet but can see nothing. Any ideas? Car runs relly well and has been looked after.

[chas2008]

felt the n/s front or rear wheel to see if they are hot ? possible brake binding...

[RATTER15]

catalytic converters can smell but usually more of a phosphorous, rotten egg type smell.

[RICH]

it could be your matrix heater. Any problems with over heating or coolant leaks (regular top ups)

[Donquixote]

If the smell disappears once you open the bonnet it could be as simple as something that's gotten inside your passenger air/heating vent. Try dipping something like a pipe cleaner or cotton ear bud in a solvent spirit and wipe around the inside of the vent. It's amazing what can collect in there over the years!

[Ankou]

sometimes seeds or nuts that fall from trees/birds beaks etc can get in the crevices under bonnet. if they heat up from the engine they can give a coffee type aroma and this may well be finding its way into the ventilation system. is there any smoke ?

[seniorcit]

Thanks very much for your answers:- chas2008, RATTER15, RICH, Donquixote and Ankou.