1.6 tdi 2011 50,000 mls.

 

 

When the wife drew up in the Octavia there was a strange hot smell like plastic but not burning plastic .Not a fuel burnt or unburnt smell,  Heater alright no coolant leak , engine belts not seized and no sign of melting , Exhaust has nothing wrapped round it , brakes not sticking on.  Took it a run but the smell hasn't come back yet.

 It isn't inside the car only when you get out is it noticeable.  I have noticed it before but thought someone was burning some rubbish or something

 Any clues anyone ? 

 Could it be a DPF regeneration cycle ,? does it smell when doing it

A DPF regeneration does  produce a smell. I normally become aware of it when standing near the rear passenger door. You should also observe a raise in revs when idling to just below 1k.

 

JFI I very recently became aware of a burning smell that I could not quite pinpoint. It turned out to be the drivers side front brake caliper had seized. The rear was also shown signs of damage due to binding. Both calipers and all pads and discs replaced. Problem solved. 

Thanks fin69  ,

 I'll keep an nose out for it and see if the revs are higher than normal when next smelled.