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Old 12-26-2013, 04:05 PM   #1
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Hot oil smell towing Jeep

We tow a 2013 Jeep GC. Each time when we get to destination and in hook, there is a strong smell like hot oil. The Jeep runs fine and no problems with transmission. Anyone else have this problem? We follow the instructions to the letter, so don't think it's anything we've done.
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Old 12-26-2013, 04:20 PM   #2
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Transfer case in neutral, transmission in park, steering wheel unlocked?

Parking brake not set?

Got brake system, if so which and are you sure its working ok - as in does the smell occur without the braking system?

Any oil leaks or wet areas visible underneath or in engine compartment?

Hmmm... what else to check...
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Old 12-26-2013, 04:21 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by mswinea View Post
We tow a 2013 Jeep GC. Each time when we get to destination and in hook, there is a strong smell like hot oil. The Jeep runs fine and no problems with transmission. Anyone else have this problem? We follow the instructions to the letter, so don't think it's anything we've done.
Most likely just tire residue from your mh and from the road that is getting kicked up and sucked into the motor area where it ends up. After unhooking and driving our towed, 2008 Saturn Vue, we have noticed a burnt rubber/oil smell on occasion but the smell does go away. That wouldn't preclude you however, from doing a visual check for possible oil drips under your mh and towed after they have sat overnight on the outside chance you might have an oil leak.
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Old 12-26-2013, 04:26 PM   #4
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I had this same issue when I use to tow a jeep. I found that is was caused from dirt and grime that came in through radiator while towing. I put a cover on the front of the jeep and this went away. It took some time to figure this out and I even had my Mechanic look over the jeep at one point. I always went away after using the jeep once parked. I have a feeling this is what you are smelling.
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Old 12-26-2013, 04:26 PM   #5
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Having the same thing with my 2013 For F150, have not figured anything out yet.
I have not fluid leaks in either the MH or Ford. Will have to ask Ford service when I take it in.
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Old 12-26-2013, 04:35 PM   #6
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Most likely just tire residue from your mh and from the road that is getting kicked up and sucked into the motor area where it ends up....

But, it's probably road grime getting onto the exhaust and most of all the Jeep's catalytic converter. These are the parts that get REAL HOT and cook the tiny bit of residue that comes from tires and cars dripping oil on the center of the roadway.

It's not just a DP thing or a flat-tow thing - We dolly tow behind a gas powered Workhorse and have the exact thing at each destination after going any more than about 100 miles...it's worse in the Southwest after long periods where the residue builds up on the roads with long periods of no rain

You don't smell it when driving the dingy, because is cooks off immediately en route.

As an aside - we always check for leaks and such on the dingy before unloading anyway, because the dolly allows a clear visual check...ya' just never know if anything hit the dingy during the drive.

Safe travels
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Old 12-26-2013, 04:50 PM   #7
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But, it's probably road grime getting onto the exhaust and most of all the Jeep's catalytic converter. These are the parts that get REAL HOT and cook the tiny bit of residue that comes from tires and cars dripping oil on the center of the roadway.

It's not just a DP thing or a flat-tow thing - We dolly tow behind a gas powered Workhorse and have the exact thing at each destination after going any more than about 100 miles...it's worse in the Southwest after long periods where the residue builds up on the roads with long periods of no rain

You don't smell it when driving the dingy, because is cooks off immediately en route.

As an aside - we always check for leaks and such on the dingy before unloading anyway, because the dolly allows a clear visual check...ya' just never know if anything hit the dingy during the drive.

Safe travels
Couldn't have said it better myself.
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Old 12-26-2013, 05:25 PM   #8
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Always make sure no matter what you tow the climate control system is left in the recirculate mode and not fresh air mode before you turn it off and hook it up to keep the coach fumes out.
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Old 12-26-2013, 05:33 PM   #9
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Always make sure no matter what you tow the climate control system is left in the recirculate mode and not fresh air mode before you turn it off and hook it up to keep the coach fumes out.
That would only work if the ignition key is on....I think
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Old 12-26-2013, 05:48 PM   #10
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That would only work if the ignition key is on....I think
Wonder why Lincoln would put this in their owners manual???

Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. See Automatic Climate Control.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. These guidelines are to make sure you do not damage the transmission during towing.
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Old 12-26-2013, 05:55 PM   #11
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I'm glad I saw this thread. I also pull a Jeep and have noticed the same smell that always goes away after driving. It has always bothered me and I could never identify a problem. Good information. Now I have one less thing to worry about. lol.
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Old 12-26-2013, 05:56 PM   #12
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Wonder why Lincoln would put this in their owners manual??? Recreational Towing Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. See Automatic Climate Control. Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. These guidelines are to make sure you do not damage the transmission during towing.
Well, is the key on?
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Old 12-26-2013, 05:59 PM   #13
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Well, is the key on?

Nope...here is the rest.

Neutral Tow
Enter Neutral Tow mode by doing the following:
  1. Put the ignition in accessory mode by pressing the engine START button without pressing the brake pedal.
  1. Select Neutral Tow under the Vehicle Settings menu in the information display. See General Information.
  1. Press and hold the OK button to start the neutral tow process.
  1. Press the brake pedal and select N on the push-button transmission.
  1. Turn the ignition off by pressing the engine START button without pressing the brake pedal.
If the process is completes successfully:
  • the N on the push-button transmission blinks slowly
  • Neutral Tow Engaged turn ignition off for towing appears in the information display.
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Old 12-26-2013, 06:04 PM   #14
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I'm glad I saw this thread. I also pull a Jeep and have noticed the same smell that always goes away after driving. It has always bothered me and I could never identify a problem. Good information. Now I have one less thing to worry about. lol.
Yep! I have had the same experience since I began towing my 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee when new. It usually goes away after driving for 15 to 20 minutes. I'm convinced it's just road grime burning off of the catalytic converter.

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