White smoke under dash and burned hole in floorboard

KISEEGERS

MEMBER
2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
4.6L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
193,100 MILES

Two weeks ago I overheated on the freeway towed it to a shop he said I needed an intake manifold. Had a friend's mechanic repair that when I picked it up check engine light was on and it had a rough idle, the guy said maybe I had a cracked head and he couldn't help. So I drive it for a week white smoke starts coming from under dash not under hood at all smells like wiring. Towed it back to him he says nothing is wrong I drive it home tonight get five miles and starts smoking again under dash so bad I have to stop and get out couldn't even see. Now there's a burned hole in the drivers side floorboard. What can it be?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,443 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If the carpet is burned, my first suspect is a plugged catalytic converter which is getting too hot. If you are still driving the vehicle, when it is warmed up after driving, look under the vehicle and inspect the catalytic converters. If one is glowing red hot, it's plugged.

Keep in mind, and I think you already know this, it can catch fire.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Also, since the check engine light is on, you really should scan the computer to determine which diagnostic trouble codes are stored in the computer. That will point you in the right direction for repairs. Here is a quick video showing how a scanner is used:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but most parts stores will do it for free.

Let me know if any of this is helpful or if you have other questions.,

Joe

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Friday, December 14th, 2018 AT 7:53 PM

KELBEL

MEMBER
1 POST

I had the same issues with the smoke from and dash and the burn hole in the floorboard. That's the reasoning for researching about this topic in the 1st place. The very 1st thing I read was your above response to the gentleman having smoke coming from behind the - and out of the vents but nothing from under but nothing from under the hood. I didn't. I didn't even know at the time that there at the time that there was a burn hole through the floorboard on the driver's side until I went outside to vacuum the water out of the floorboard. After the floormat was taken out I saw the hole immediately. I just had to say you nailed it. You guys are real professionals and I'm thoroughly impressed!
Thank you,
Kelli

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Saturday, July 10th, 2021 AT 12:49 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,443 POSTS

Hi, Kelli,

Two things. First, thank you for the compliment. And second, thanks for your input. I know it will help others in the future.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, July 10th, 2021 AT 8:48 PM