Good Morning,

I have 121K miles on my 04' TL which I have owned since Oct. 2003. On yesterday afternoon, I thought I saw smoke coming from under the hood when I was stopped at a traffic light. There were other cars around me, so I figured it was another vehicle. Once I made it home and parked the vehicle, I did not see any smoke.

On this morning, I went to the gym and when I parked the car, I saw smoke coming from under the hood. On the way back from the gym, when I stopped at a traffic light, there was smoke and when I finally made it home and parked, there was smoke coming from under the hood. There is a odor, but I know nothing about cars and their odors other than a burning oil odor (which this is not). There was no smoke at all while driving the car, only when I stopped.

I have maintenance done on a regular basis, but am wondering what the smoke could be and if I should drive the car to the dealership (it is 30 miles away) or if I should have it towed. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Courtney

 

I would start by checking the fluid levels for the brakes, power steering, transmission, coolant, and engine oil. If you find one that is low, then you probably have a leak in that specific system. If I did not know much about mechanics, then I would probably tow the vehicle to the dealership or independent service facility because a fluid leak in the engine compartment can cause a raging fire if the wrong fluids come into contact with the exhaust system. A tow bill is cheap compared to a serious fire!

 

I'd also add check if you have cracks in ur radiator. Similar stuff happened to me before but it was more of a white smoke. Open your hood and turn ur car on for a bit (or even drive it around) and check where the smoke is comin from. gl.

 

Are there any fluid leaks on the ground where you park it? What color?
Smoke can mean a serious fluid leak; if you do have to drive it, check all the fluids beforehand, drive it gently, and keep an eye on the temperature gauge and oil light.
If you get your maintenance done at a shop closer to where you are, they should be able to help.
Towing it would be the safest option.
Good Luck.

 

It could also be as simple as a plastic shopping bag stuck to the exhaust beneath the engine...

 

yeah i agree, check your radiator. my accord was smoking and there was odor..and randomly you can see the smoke. I thought it was a fluid problem but turn out to be my radiator being cracked..replaced it and everything was peachy.

but for an 04 with that kind of milelage, you must of driven the TL ALOTTTTTT

 

I'm willing to bet it's transmission or oil pan seal leaking with that many miles. Normal wear and tear.

Has your car ever been wrecked?

 

Good Morning All:

There smoke is white and only comes out from the hood when I stop the vehicle. There are no stains on the ground where it is parked at night.

Update:
I took the vehicle to a mechanic near the house and the problem is the power steering fluid is leaking. He said the line from the pump to the power steering pressure valve is holding fluid right at the seal, therefore causing the smoke from the fluid hitting hot components in the engine.

The vehicle is getting repaired on today.

I appreciate all the posts.

Thanks!

Regards,
Courtney

 

Good thing you did not continue to drive your car. I had one vehicle that caught on fire due to a leak from a power steering hose leak which sprayed PS fluid on the exhaust manifold. The engine compartment was completely burned, and everything that could burn was destroyed - all plastic items, all rubber hoses, wiring, etc.