Surface Pro 9 has a very faint, sweet, chemical smell coming from the vents

Hi @Hamzah Kattan,  

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. 

The symptoms described, specifically the faint, chemical odor, the appearance of a pressure spot on the display, and rapid temperature increases are indicators of a potential battery expansion (swollen battery) within the Surface Pro 9. 

Regarding your inquiry, Lithium-ion batteries can undergo "off-gassing" as they age or degrade. This process causes the internal battery casing to expand. The sweet, chemical scent is the battery’s internal electrolyte solution escaping through the casing. Additionally, due to the compact internal layout of the Surface Pro 9, the expanding battery is likely exerting physical pressure on the back of the LCD panel.  Regarding the heat, a compromised battery experiences high internal resistance, leading to excessive heat even under minimal processing load. 

Because a swollen battery is a hardware failure that can pose a safety risk, please follow these steps immediately: 

1. Disconnect power by unplugging the power adapter right away to prevent further thermal stress. 
2. Power down: Turn the device off completely. 
3. Avoid pressure: Do not press on the display or attempt to "flatten" the pressure spot, as this could puncture the battery cell. 
4. Safe storage: Keep the device in a cool, dry area away from flammable materials until it can be professionally inspected. 

This hardware condition requires professional intervention. Please visit the official Microsoft Support website or an authorized service provider to initiate a hardware evaluation. It is advisable to check if the device is eligible for an out-of-warranty replacement program specifically related to battery expansion. 

Please prioritize safety and refrain from further use of the device until a technician has examined it.

It sounds like your Surface Pro 9 may be experiencing some concerning issues. A faint, sweet, chemical smell coming from the vents, along with a pressure spot on the screen and excessive heat, could indicate a potential battery thermal event or other internal damage. It's crucial to take these symptoms seriously, as they may point to battery leakage or other safety hazards.

Microsoft advises that if you notice any signs of a thermal event, such as smoke, soot, or an expanding battery pouch, you should stop using the device immediately and contact support. Given that your device is around two years old and showing these symptoms, it would be wise to have it checked at a repair shop to prevent any potential hazards.

References:

• Battery safety