I have a 98 Legacy 2.5l wagon with about 42k miles on it (it sat in a garage for 2 years, 22k of that is in the last 2 years or so) and I suddenly have a nasty, acrid chemical smell coming from the car after it has been driven. It is not an oil or coolant smell, and all fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission) seem to be optimal. The car isn't overheating or acting strange, it just puts out this really acrid, offensive smell after it is parked.

It isn't a "burning" smell; it smells slightly like overheating plastic, but not as "sweet." It also doesn't smell like clutch (4EAT) although I have little experience messing around with automatics. Could this be an A/C coolant leak? Or burning transmission fluid? I had the cam gasket seal replaced last year (it was leaking oil on the exhaust, a very nasty smell) but that has cleared up and was a very different odor. Any suggestions?

 

Solved the problem... The left-rear CV boot tore and threw axle grease on the exhaust pipe. Man, that grease is nasty stuff -- I had no idea it could make that kind of a stink, it doesn't smell like a petroleum product at all!

I hosed it off with some citrus degreaser and now all's well. CV boot is being replaced today... hopefully not the wheel bearing it was supposed to protect, but that might have to be done as well.