Electrical burning smell and error code, help!

[greghill91]

Hi all, desperately trying to solve an issue with my 2.5td 96 diesel auto. Did a journey of around 45mins and suddenly could smell a strong electrical burning smell at the same exact time the coil light started flashing a steady flash to suggest an error code. Didn't notice any performance issues or changes. Couldn't really pinpoint where the smell was coming from but seems like in the dash. I've tried to hunt out the error code but there is little to no information anywhere that i can find regarding the auto diesel. When i bridge the connectors in the diagnostic port i get the code 38 that flashes through the hold light on the dash. Have disconnected battery several times and the code still remains. One thing i've noticed that might help give a clue is that the radiator fans are on as soon as i start the van even from cold. Really struggling if any one can help would be really grateful. Thanks

[g8dhe]

You can look up the error codes by googling "Mazda error codes P00??"
Which gives this link https://scanneranswers.com/p0038-obd2-t ... ome-wires/
which suggests the Oxygen sensor in the exhaust for detecting emissions is having a problem, given the comment about smelling burning suggest that the wiring to heater inside the sensor might have had a problem ?

[greghill91]

Thanks for this, didn't realise diesels had O2 sensors. Whereabouts should i be looking? Cheers

[g8dhe]

No I must admit I was thinking the same!!!! Especially as its a 1996 van ....

I presume it was a 2-digit code ? Perhaps worth checking it again ?

[teenmal]

Thanks for this, didn't realise diesels had O2 sensors. Whereabouts should i be looking? Cheers

Dont bother your vehicle does not have 02 sensor .

[Ian]

A code 38 on the earlier diesels can be caused by burnt out wires close to a hot exhaust. Have you got a cold start system on your Bongo (2 leisure batteries, oil lamp button on dash)? If so, and it has not been switched off, it will burn itself out from constant use. This system operates a diaphragm in the exhaust and may explain the burning smell.

[greghill91]

Thanks for the help thus far, mine only has one leisure battery. What do you mean by oil lamp button on dash? Can't see anything like that! Has the oil warning lamp within the dash, no buttons that i can see! How do i tell if i have a cold start system? Thanks.

[Ian]

Sorry, I didn't make myself very clear. Do you have one of these switches on the dash? ? If so you have a cold start system which means the Bongo originally had two STARTER batteries, but the one on the near side is often removed to make way for a leisure battery.

[greghill91]

Hi ian, got ya, makes sense now. Yeah i have a switch like that in mine. So any suggestions of where to make a start looking for issues? Seems to run ok but obviously once gets hot can smell the burning and obviously nobody wants to drive around with an error code present either. Thanks

[Ian]

Sorry, no idea where to look. Just know it came up before many years ago.

[Ian]

Cold start solenoids (with photos) are mentioned is this long thread from 2012: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=58621&start=15