2002 Ford Taurus Morning Hood Smoke

2002 FORD TAURUS
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KOCHANHS
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Hello,
I noticed smoke coming from the front end of my car in the morning and it goes away after 5 minutes from start to finish. I would check to see if the radiator was leaking when the smoke is comint out, but I don't see anything. It is embarrassing sitting in the middle of traffic and smoke is coming out of the hood.

My friend who has a 2001 Ford Taurus SE had the same problem and just went away by itself. Is this normal for Ford Tauruses?

I am very worried about this happening time after time.

Thanks in advance.
Dec 13, 2006 at 2:47 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
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It's not normal for any car to have smoke coming from under the hood. Why do you think its anti freeze that is leaking. It could also be a oil leak Does the smoke have a sweet smell to it? That would be what anti freeze smells like. You have something leaking and it would be easier to find it if you knew where to look, by knowing what to look for.
A good sign would be are there any fluids that need adding to. Good luck hope this helps
Backyardmechanic :)
Dec 13, 2006 at 3:15 AM
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KOCHANHS
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I thought it was strange myself. I even took the car into the dealership and they said nothing was wrong. The weird thing is that it happens only in the morning and I leave my car in the garage. The smoke comes from where the radiator/cooling fan is housed. Yes, I believe it was a sweet smell.
Dec 13, 2006 at 3:20 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
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Sounds like the raditor is leaking. Have the dealer presure test the system and if there is a leak they should be able to find it then
Dec 13, 2006 at 3:30 AM
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KOCHANHS
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Is there a way that I can do the pressure test myself or at Autozone? The dealership tends to inflate their fees. I drive in and try to get something looked, they charge me at $45. I despise dealerships.

Thanks.
Dec 13, 2006 at 3:33 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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I would say that the smoke is either oil or coolant. It takes awhile to manifest the quantity it needs to make enough to smoke. The leaking I would venture is consistant but small. Open the hood in the morning and look at the area around the exhaust or exhaust manifold. See if it is slightly damp or wet. Anything on the ground in the morning. Also, is the coolant level dropping or the oil level. Watch them closely.
Dec 13, 2006 at 4:49 AM
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KOCHANHS
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Thanks. I have been monitoring the coolant level and oil level. They are normal and never needed adding. I will watch them closer from here on out.

Also, how come by my name it says 'Kochanhs, Tech level 1'? I have no idea why it said that. Can you fix it from your end?

Thanks.
Dec 14, 2006 at 12:12 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
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I don't know what it means. Sorry
Dec 14, 2006 at 1:01 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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kochans is the user name you selected when you joined the forum. Originally you were kochans, New to Forum. After so many posts you will move up in levels of recognition. Tech Level 1, then 2, 3, 4.

Not sure after 4. Used to know and used to have admin rights. They are supposedly being restored after a major website changeover. We will see.

Merry Christmas and enjoy a prosperous and car care-free new year!
Dec 14, 2006 at 1:39 AM
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KOCHANHS
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Thanks for clarifying this for me. I understand it now.
Dec 14, 2006 at 3:46 AM

Suggested Repair

Have the cooling system pressure-tested at a shop or parts store and inspect the radiator, cooling-fan area, and exhaust manifold for a small coolant or oil leak that burns off after startup. Monitor coolant and oil levels closely.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 Ford Taurus reported brief morning smoke from the radiator and cooling-fan area with a sweet smell; it stopped after a few minutes and fluid levels were not dropping. A dealer found nothing wrong. Experts said smoke under the hood is not normal and is likely a small coolant or oil leak, and recommended a cooling-system pressure test plus inspection around the radiator and exhaust manifold while watching fluid levels.

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