Concord
Overheating Electrical or Plastic Components
Furnace emits a strong chemical or burning plastic odor during operation.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Blower motor overheating, Foreign object on heat exchanger, Melted wiring insulation, Failed motor capacitor
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn off power to the furnace immediately. If you see smoke or signs of fire, evacuate and call emergency services.
Steps:
- Visual inspection: After cooling, remove access panels and inspect wiring harnesses, blower motor, and plastic components for discoloration, melting, or burn marks.
- Check blower motor: Spin the blower wheel by hand; it should move freely. A seized motor can overheat and cause odors.
- Remove foreign objects: Look for plastic items, insulation, or packaging material that may have fallen onto the heat exchanger or burners and remove them.
Recommendation: Any evidence of burned wiring or components should be evaluated and repaired by a qualified technician.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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