Smoke, Hissing and Fluid?

Tiny
DPLUSM1995
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 69,000 MILES
The car listed above is the Premium model.

2 days before this happened the service engine light came on with codes: P0496

My son was driving last night and noticed white/greyish smoke coming from the engine area. When he opened the hood, he heard a hissing noise, and the engine was covered in some kind of fluid. (Orange-reddish color) I tried to put the car into neutral, but the gear shift is stuck in Park. I didn't start the car before trying to move gear shift. Does the car have to be started first? And what do you make if the smoking, hissing and liquid is everywhere? Thanks
Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 1:22 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The code you have is related to an evaporative emissions issue, so I don't feel it caused this to happen.

Based on your description, it sounds like it overheated, and you are seeing coolant everywhere. Coolant will create a white/grayish smoke when it evaporates of hot components. Also, if there was a leak, the hissing may have been coming from the leaking area.

First, check the coolant level. The reservoir is under the hood. See pic 1 below. If it is low or empty, we need to identify where the leak is located. Let me know what you find, and I will further direct you.

Note: If you add coolant, make sure to use the correct type which should be indicated on the cap. Also, you can shift from park by turning the key to the run position (engine off) and depressing the brake pedal.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 8:40 PM

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