Electrical Fault (Smoke/Smell)

ON3POINTKING

MEMBER
1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

While driving a few puffs of white smoke exited the passenger side of the engine compartment. This was followed by the smell of an electrical failure.

When I checked under the hood, I couldn't see any additional smoke, but did notice a ringing (like the 'ringing' noise ears make) coming from the fuse box. None of the fuses were corrupt so the question I have is: what do I check next?

6 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

You will have to follow the burnt wires to the short or shorted out part. It's not going to be easy that's about all I can say I don't which wires aren't burnt up where they go etc. Let me know what you find and I will help you as much as I can.

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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 9:03 PM

ON3POINTKING

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45 POSTS

Its been awhile. I haven't had much time to work on this issue. I connected the battery and started playing with some of the accessories. During one of the tests, the check engine light flashed on and off (3x). Do cat-converter tests typically run while the engine is off?

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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:41 PM

ON3POINTKING

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Quick reply here: I managed to borrow a second pair of eyes while I ran it for a minute or two. Neither of us saw any smoke or smelled anything suspicious. This issue comes right after the radiator got changed, it is entirely possible fluid was spilled during the process. Would spilled fluid on the alternator/engine/etc cause this smell and smoke?

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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 9:52 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

The cat converter monitor will do its test while running. It is very possible you had some coolant etc burning off after you replaced the radiator but it wouldn't smell like burning electrical unless you got it in your alternator your alternator was shorting out.

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Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 AT 4:15 PM

ON3POINTKING

MEMBER
45 POSTS

I suppose this is where my inexperience kicks in. As I said, I ran the car for a few minutes not smelling anything electrical or seeing any smoke. How would I know if the alternator was shorted out? The battery light in my vehicle did not turn on.