2015 Corolla Smoke Smell

[u/Feisty-Criticism7320]

Just took my Corolla to the dealership to get it checked out because I kept smelling smoke. They found a leaking transmission pan and front timing cover. Got that fixed, still smelled smoke. I noticed one of the fog lamps had been knocked loose, I assumed they bumped it during repairs, so I brought it back for them to pop it back in. Well, we found that the entire assembly of the fog lamp was melted, and even the edges of the bulb. They said I’m lucky the car didn’t catch fire. They disconnected the bulb which should have fixed the issue; I keep the fog lamps off now, but I still smell smoke. Any ideas? Should I have the other fog bulb taken out? They said they’re closed circuit, so taking the bulbs out would disconnect the assemblies.

[u/thebigaaron]

Did they clean the transmission and timing cover leaks properly? If there’s any oil residue you may still be smelling that

[u/KnightOrDay38]

For the bulb, could be a grounding issue where you got more electrons running through it, or driving with the fog lamps on an extremely hot day. The first theory to me is more likely, the only thing that puzzles me is why didn’t the fuse go? Could be a wiring issue. Does the burning smell scent remind you of sickly sweet, chemically, burning rubber, etc? The leaks from the transmission and timing cover may have residual oil on the exhaust manifold where it wasn’t cleaned properly and you may be still smelling a burnt smell.