Burning smell 88 Grand Marq. // & idle question

[Deezy]

Hello , I was on the freeway earlier and half way home I started smelling a somewhat strong burning plastic kind of smell I immediately pulled over but could not find any thing for the life of me smelled in the cab but I couldn't smell anything out side. Any ideas/ Experiences?



ALSO its been pretty cold around here and recently when I start the car it sounds fine and then after about 20 secs it will start sounding like its going to stall out a few times ( it did ONCE when it was 22 degrees out but it drives perfect and all.



Honestly I need general tips on everything ( gas, additives, ets.. ) Im trying to keep this thing healthy lol


Thanks guys I appreciate it

[L1011tristar17]

Check your ignition switch. It's under the steering column shroud. The original part would catch on fire and Ford issued a recall for it, so that may be the source of the burning plastic smell. If the part looks like it's splitting (plastic part from the metal-looking part) then replace it. It's an easy 5-10 minute fix and you can find the replacement part at any auto parts store.

Speaking of burning things, check the alternator plug for your car, especially if it's old and original looking. Those things will get old and cause fires. My old connector still has an awful burnt smell to it. Keep an eye out for connectors that look burnt up or frayed wiring.

[L1011tristar17]

And this probably isn't relevant, but you should also check the throttle valve bushing. If it's cracked and brittle, replace it immediately with the brass bushing. When the original parts fails, the transmission overheats and all of a sudden you're driving a two-speed. It's worth it to check.

[Deezy]

Where is the ignition switch located/ look like , I don't know a whole lot on cars yet im learning lol


On a side not I figured out that I only smell the plastic burning when at night/ early morning when I have the headlights on around the headlight nob.


Thoughts / comments ?

Thanks

[mitymerc]

Good clue...The headlight switch has been known to go bad.

[L1011tristar17]

Ignition switch is on the right side of the steering column by the key cylinder when you take the plastic shroud off (philips head screws). It should be held in there with two torx bits and have the other end connected to a wiring harness. As long as the electrical connector doesn't look burnt or the plastic and metal halves haven't come apart, you're probably fine.