Rep Power: 295

Hi,
I just got a 03 EX coupe and there is a burning smell. It smells plasticy. I wondering if its the clutch, which i suspect to be the reason. Don't know if I'm letting off the clutch too fast and pushing down the gas too far? I may just need a leason on refining my shifting skills. I have only 580 miles on this car. I haven't driven stick for about two years before this car. Could it be that i'm reving it to high with the clutch down?

p.s. Does the strut problem or any other suspension problem also exist for 03 coupes? Does the free first oil change apply for 03?

THX

 
Rep Power: 0

Sorry, all I can help you with is the first oil change for free. Yes, it does apply to our 03 Civic. I just got mine changed.

Again, sorry. That all I know. As you can tell, I don't know too much about our cars.

 
Rep Power: 447

sounds like 'break-in' smells...

 
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Free oilchanges depends on the dealer - at least in Canada it's that way.

Are you releasing the gas while you shift? Cuz if you're not you're probably reving it too high during shifts and burning the clutch.

 
Rep Power: 290

When do u smell it? while your driving or after your car is already off ? Maybe its something in your exaust? If it persists then definatly take it in

 
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I used to smell the same stuff. It drove me nuts. It mostly occurred after driving at high speeds. I guess it was just the engine breaking in and substances burning off. I can't remember now but it seems like this continued for several thousand miles. I don't really think I noticed when it actually went away. I was scared to death that something was wrong.

14,000 miles later and she purrs like a kitten and I haven't had a problem other than my rocking seat and some rattles. Oh, and my mpg just keep getting better and better.

I can't say for sure that the strut issue has been resolved but logic says that it has. The supplier or manufacturer has had more than enough time to correct the problem.

Oil Change - you'll have to call your dealer on that one.

 
Rep Power: 295

I notice the smell after I get out of the car after i turn off the engine.

The rear end of the car seems like it wants to slide when ever i want to do even a mild tight turn. Is this the suspension or the tires. If I was to just change the tires, would the traction be a lot better?

 
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I am sorry I wasn't clear. I noticed the smell after shutting off the car and getting out. The same as you. It will go away in time.

The stock tires are absolutely terrible. Yes, they slide very easily. Have you driven in the rain yet? LOL You will get used to it though....Upgrading would definately help but I just can't see buying new tires to put on stock rims on a new car....I'll suffer and get better ones when mine wear out....

 
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The burning smell is perfectly normal of a new car. Most of it is just the plastic going through the heat up- cool down stages. Goes away with time. It's actually a common complaint among new car owners. They come up in the shop asking what the hell is wrong why do they smell burning plastic. Have to explain there is engine dressing on the motor and plastics. I just turning 571 miles and still have that smell. I've been driving a stick since I 16. Who said you have to release the gas when shifting? Maybe you should learn to do something other than granny shift son. You're probably the guy that presses the gas after downshifting instead of rev matching. Jerky ride.

 
Rep Power: 308

'break-in' smell. I had the same smell and it lasted for a really long time. I was starting to think that it wasn't the break-in smell but after a while, it goes away.
If you ever get an aftermarket exhaust, the smelling process starts all over again.

 
Rep Power: 4645

my burning history:


@ 500 miles on my 2003 ex i had it coming from the break in smell type deal..
@ 1000 miles its because the greddy exhaust was burning open..

just get used to it, it will eventually go away!

 
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i'm also smelling a plastic burning smell also in my car.
it's a 2003 sedan and it hasn't done this before. i've driven it 11000 KM already and all of a sudden it starts to smell like burning plastic.
it just started yesterday when i was at a stop light and gets really bad. once i start rollin it goes away, when i stop it comes back. i think i'll have honda check this out.

 
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you probably have some plastic bag under the car...My friend had that happened to him. After the visit to the Dealer, they yanksed out the left over plastic from the exhaust.

 
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thanks HappyGilmore!!!!!!!!!
i checked it out today and it was a plastic bag caked on the exhaust , had me worried there, i thought it was somethin major. i phoned My dealer and they told me to come in and they will take it off

 
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holy ****!!!!!! i have the same problem! i was gonna post somethin about this...... and yet i have my answer! it has got to be that breaking in then...... and yeah dude... sometimes i rev it too high... its really not all that easy finding the friction point on our cars..... well on mine at least....... anyways dont do it too often or youll burn that clutch up!

 
Rep Power: 811

Mine smelled like crap when it was new. I think it's the car just breaking in. Just like when you get a new exhaust and it smells like burning plastic for a while--then it goes away.