[kimla5]

I own a 2001 KIA SEPHIA/LS. Often when I drive up a steady, steep grade such as Gorham Hill or through the notches(route 16) from Berlin to North Conway, NH the car emits a "burning hair" smell. The temperature guage reads normal, I've tried overdrive and no overdrive...there is no difference. Once I am beyond the hill, the smell goes away. Call me a paranoid woman, but should I be concerned?

 

[1fastkia]

hey welcome to the site im right near you. I live in northern vermont. Nice to see others around from same sort of location.
to the problem. I dont have a clue this is the weirdest thing ive heard ever. There isnt anything in a car that should smell like burning hair.... I dunno.

 

[kimla5]

I'm from Berlin, NH What part of Northern Vermont are you from? Maybe what I'm smelling is hot wires...does that make sense? I don't know...its like I said it only does it when I'm pushing it...of course some of these mountains are pretty tough on a 4 cylinder. Some cars smell when climbing these grades...I don't smell that in mine, mine smells different...could it be because it is KOREAN? lol I'm not dissing my KIA, I love it, but this has me concerned...I don't want to go up in flames.
Thanks, for e mailing me back.
Kim

 

[1fastkia]

Im in saint albans.

I just have no clue as to what that smell could be.. stumped me lol.

 

[kimla5]

what are your thoughts about a potential transmission problem in the making?

 

[1fastkia]

I wouldnt think so. Is it shifting correctly?
Like not slamming into gears? is it nice and smooth?
when the last time you got the tranny fluid changed? if needed they cahnge it at 60K along with the filter if you have an auto.
I know what its like climbing the huge inclines like the notch, stowe, jay peak ect.
Thas why I added a little performance to the car.... it was sluggish up the huge hills. not anymore lol.
Id say get a real smelly air freshner lol
you shouldnt worry i think.

 

[kimla5]

Thanks for the reply. Knock on wood...the only concern is the smell. I'll take your advice and get a real good smelling air freshener...or stay away from the steep hills.lol

 

[1fastkia]

if you in the vt area shout me a pm hook up check that thang out for ya!