I drove 220 miles today in a snow storm, most of it in 4 wheel drive, around 30 to 40 mph. There was an awful smell coming from the car, not sure from where. All fluids were OK. The smell is hard to describe, but it is rank. Does anyone know what it could be?

 

Since it was cold out, you may have had a small animal crawl up into your engine compartment to keep warm, and then couldnt get out before you started your drive.

 

The verdict is in on the smell. The dealer states I was burning differential fluid in 4wd because my tires on the front and back were over 1/2 inch different in diameter. He said the axles were fighting each other due to the size difference. The tires were the same size, but different brands and the rear tires had more wear than the front. I am now out over $900. The dealer actually had sold one of the tires to me. I asked why I wasn't advised of this potential issue, but he had no good answer for that.

 

would bet that was'nt problem. I agree with critter up in car somewhere and the just removed it and sold you unneeded tires.