While driving car started smoking from under hood

CAROL WILT

MEMBER
2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

My car just started smoking from under hood. It is a white smoke and the temperature gauge went to red. I am not sure what the problem can be but a few months ago I had a radiator flush, transmission flush, a replaced a top hose on the radiator that was suggested to be replaced since it was worn. The last two days it seemed to hesitate a few times when going about forty to forty five mph. Also, neither my low oil, transmission or low coolant light came on when it started smoking.

Can anyone tell me what may be wrong? I am a woman so I am not 'mechanical savvy" so please explain in the easiest terms.

3 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon.

The smoke is from overheating. The engine is very hot from a loss of coolant. The smoke is a result of that leak. Hot fluid is hitting the engine somewhere and causes the smoke.

You need to have someone check the coolant level and pressure test the system to determine the leak.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

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Wednesday, June 20th, 2018 AT 3:43 PM

CAROL WILT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I appreciate your quick response Roy. The car is being towed as I did not want to do any further damage. Is this a common occurrence with cars? It came out of nowhere and with no warning I tell ya.

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Wednesday, June 20th, 2018 AT 3:49 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

You never know when a hose or line will fail. Once it does, it is sudden.
It would be a good idea to ask them to change all the hoses as well as the thermostat.

Roy

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Wednesday, June 20th, 2018 AT 4:21 PM