bithits

I was towing this weekend, and after pulling off the freeway I starting smelling burning bakelite-type odor, and cab filling with smoke. Pull over, shut down, and start investigating.

Passenger points out heat coming from black plastic "something" beneath kick panel to the right of ABS module, just to the right of the heater outlet. This appears to be the source of the smoke. All gauges read normal. Temp looks ok, boost and EGT normal. Everything else working fine, except radiator overflow tank was empty when I checked.

I filled the overflow tank (level hasn't changed since) and drove about 50 miles. Passenger reports the black box feels very hot - too much to touch, but not enough to start smoking again. Outside temps here have been upper 70's, low 80's.

Two questions: 1) What is this thing? Is it supposed to heat up, and if so, how much? 2) Any ideas what might be going on?

I'm overdue for a coolant flush/replacement, so I'm going to do that anyway. Related perhaps? Doesn't seem like coolant could get hot enough to generate smoke like that in any case. Everything under the hood seemed normal too.

1997 3500 4x4 auto.

bob4x4

Blower resister?

Bob

1-2-3

Electric brake controller?
Can you post a pic of it?

96_12V

Check with your dealer on this one. There were several interior recalls on these trucks, from the fan switch to the multi-function switch that can all overheat and start smoldering. Most likely - it's electrical in nature and not directly related to the cooling system. Unless it was the heater core that you were feeling - which I doubt as then you would note the same problem under the hood as well. A box getting hot to the touch sounds like a failing resistor that is getting hot. Your dealer will be the best help for this one...and the recall repairs are free as well. Good luck!

bithits

From what I can see from the Alldata pics, it does look like the blower resistor. I'm going to take a closer look when I can get to my truck again. Thanks bob4x4!