I took my 2014 F150 out on the beach for the first time yesterday and noticed a burning smell coming from the rear of the truck. I was in 4 hi and was going 15 to 20 mph. I took the traction control off by pressing the button on the dash and drove it again thinking that maybe the trac control was causing the brakes to heat up but it still smelled after driving a little ways. I got the truck home and drove it in 4 hi on the asphalt and it didn’t smell at all. Any thoughts?

 

What did it smell like? Hot brakes? Rubber?

 

Yes. It smelled like the brakes were sticking but the wheel wasn’t hot to the touch.

 

Did you happen to have the parking brake on?

 

Nope the parking brake wasn’t on. I was thinking it was the trac control or something similar due to it not smelling when driving it in the road and the wheels not slipping. It has me stumped. The truck only has 40,000 miles on it so I wouldn’t think it would be something major or at least I hope not.

 

I get a hot smell in 4x4 lo under load for long periods of time. Both climbing rocky stuff or steep descent trying to stay off the brakes with a trailer. Never have noticed it in 4x4 high. Odor is more akin to wetting a hot exhaust than oil on exhaust or overheated brake media.

Finally climbed under the truck yesterday to check transfer case oil level, (dealer shop claims to check all fluids every 5k, ha, ha, ha, shame on me).

Fluid looks and smells clean but it's about 1 1/2" below the fill plug opening. Am wondering if simply there isn't enough oil thrown around in the case to cool well.

Plan here is to change the oil and refill to proper level. Might be awhile before it gets loaded in 4x4 lo to provide feedback though.

Edit: Drained just over a quart. Refilled with nearly two quarts XL12.

 

It is most likely the INTEGRATED WHEEL END (IWE). The truck will make some noises and you'll smell intense burning metal smell. BUT, the problem is, when I got it towed to the dealership, the next day the truck ran fine. I posted my issue on Facebook and others said they had the same problem, and also said the dealership won't do anything because they have to "replicate the problem." I know someone looking into a potential lawsuit, and maybe a class action suit???