why is my car smoking under the hood?

1999 FORD TAURUS
125,000 MILES
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SUZIEKAT65
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  • 1 POST
when i use my defrost or heat there is a strong smell of antifreeze in the vehicle and after about 15 minutes smoke comes from under the hood both on the passenger side and the front
Dec 6, 2011 at 1:54 AM
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HOMER1967
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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the antifreeze smell in the car would be caused by a leaking heater core.the smoke could be from a coolant leak,an oil leak,or a slipping belt.try to smell the smoke and see if it smells like antifreeze also,if it doe's then it's steam and not smoke and indicates a coolant leak.
Dec 6, 2011 at 2:04 AM
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CARADIODOC
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  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Gonna have to have it inspected to determine what is leaking. You are likely smelling the coolant coming through the fresh air intake in front of the windshield. Could also be a leaking heater core in the dash. Coolant will be leaking onto the ground right under where the front passenger's feet would be.
Dec 6, 2011 at 2:05 AM
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