What could be the problem? And is it drivable?

RLA94501

MEMBER
SATURN

Saturn 2004 Ion 4 dr sedan

I had white smike coming from under my front hood of my car. It appeared after I parked my car in a lot. It had a burning smell. I did not want to open the hood at that point. I am not a "car person". Even if I opened it I wouldn't know what to look for.
I need to pick up my kids and get home. Without right away repairs, it is drivable and approximately what would the cost be for what could be the problem.

I'm strapped for cash right now. I would like to be prepared before I take it in.

thanks!?

4 Replies

SNIPEREYZ

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It depends on where the smoke was coming from. It could be a belt, it could be the radiator. Was it a damp smell? Was it dry. Hard to tell what the problem is. Need more info

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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 AT 6:38 PM

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

Hey RLA,
Sounds like you might be overheating. What does the gauge/warning light say? Don't need to be a car person to open the hood and take a look. You can see fluid squirting in case their is a leak.

As for using the vehicle safety first. Without checking the vehicle you run the risk of fire and or major damage. Rent a car, pester a neighbor, just be safe.

Good luck and let us know. :)

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Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 AT 8:31 AM

RLA94501

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Well my dad look at it yesterday. They checked the belts. It appeard that there was no leaking or anything. He did however mention the brakes. I hadn't had my breaks checks for months. They ahd been sqeaking a little. But he notice the break pads were worn down./ Could that be a factor?

As far as the overheating. The gauge/ meter was normal.
Coolant was fine, oil was fine, brakefluid was fine.

It was more of a rubbbery smell. Like something was burning.

I ended up driving the car home. W/ no smike coming from car after I parked and even after I came back to work this morning.

Could it be the brak pad that caused this?

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Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 AT 12:46 PM

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

Brakes are also a safety item that should be checked by a pro. Some shops will do this free of charge. I doubt if the smoke is related tho. Probably something splashed up on the exhaust and smoked if it is not continueing.

Good luck and let us know. :)
peppermj

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Thursday, April 5th, 2007 AT 11:42 AM