Steam Coming Out of My Car's Hood? How to Diagnose Overheated Engine

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If your vehicle has been getting too hot, or steaming, or smoking, or giving off a sweet smell, you need to check it out immediately! Overheating can seriously damage your engine. If your vehicle has not shown any symptoms of overheating, but has not had a coolant service in a few years, you might want to do this diagnosis too! In this video, Len shows you how to check coolant levels, check coolant quality, and shows you a bunch of other other parts you can check to either prevent overheating, or treat the cause of it.
Check out all of our other videos on diagnostics that you can do yourself at home!
• Driveway Diagnostics!
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

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[@katarinagarrison3898]

My man's truck over heated. I had an idea of what to look for. You verified I was right, but most of all your teaching skills are amazing! Please! Keep doing the good work you are doing!

[@MrRedtaco11]

A couple of months ago I was next to a Kia at a light. Steam was coming from her hood. I pointed at it and she waived not to worry about it. She kept driving. Apparently Kias are suppose to overheat and you keep on driving lol.

[@allgastrucking4954]

I’m sure she was already aware

[@francinevassell7374]

I love your energy at the beginning of the video giving us newbies hope 🤣 and appreciate showing some parts isolated to get a better understanding of how they all work together. Very easy to follow and professional!

[@AndiAli]

I had steam coming out my bonnet and after watching this took it to the garage right away. It was the thermostat as the guy in the video says it may be. Good advice.

[@cybertron3093]

yesterday i literally kept driving ignoring the smoke in very heavy traffic (India). soon my car stopped. when we were pushing it to the side of road .....suddenly flames started coming out of the bonnet...i mean literally firee!!🔥.....everyone around was panicked... luckily there was water nearby and the flames were put out...that was a crazy experience after all !!

[@cybertron3093]

so please dont ignore the smoke coming out!!!

[@gamermasta525]

Did you fix i? My car starts getting steam after about a minute or 2 coming from under the hood. If I drive it for too long fire will start to appear next to the engine I have a 2008 Chrysler 300 2.7

[@venividivici4253]

I had a coolant leak in my 1997 Toyota Camry. We replaced all the hoses and radiator as well. The thermostat is still in good condition. Ideally if I had the budget at the time, I would also change the water pump and thermostat too.

[@uzimendez3022]

Did the leak stop right after that? I’m having that problem and don’t know what it is

[@GriffinPearson]

Great video! Coolant hose popped off at a red light and shot most of my fluid onto the ground. Replacing the clamp and filling her up, should be good to go

[@thegratestcheese]

Thank you so much!! this really helped me out and now im gonna fix it, it was my coolant this whole time and ive been trying to figure it out for a couple days. so really thank you

[@81mrharris]

Lynn is the man! Verhicle maintenance and repair solutions

[@1AAuto]

+81mrharris Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@musicmotivation5282]

Car started blowing white smoke when I tried pulling out the dollar store parking lot. Car wouldn't even start. I checked the coolant and it was low so I put some in there not completely full. I turned on the heat inside the car to get the heat out of the engine but still won't start. Waiting for a tow truck now. Don't want my daughters in this heat for too long. What a day 😅😅

[@lisajenson1982]

I love how animated he is! Lol. Great job boys, I love all your videos!

[@1AAuto]

+Lisa Boody Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@nickr3441]

His hand motions make me dizzy

[@jaeb.2842]

Thanks for these videos! Keep up the great work 1AAuto!!!

[@1AAuto]

+Jae B. Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@ShaunCruzNYC]

I have never noticed before that son has jazz hands!

[@darinp5612]

You're his father?

[@javi_1859]

Hey Shaun, how is Len by the way? Saw him at walmart a few weeks ago. Hope you guys had a good Christmas! It's a joke bro

[@thoughtsmagnetic8640]

Jazz hands ?

[@MrJwyne]

Good stuff. My car just overheated yesterday out here in Phx AZ (117 degrees). My radiator reservoir/overflow cracked. Hopefully it’s just that. I’ll have to see what the mechanic says.

[@MrJwyne]

My mechanic said “looks like your coolant system abs alternator have failed” this is in a 2008 BMW 535i.

[@nazzydestroyer1884]

@@MrJwyne how much did you have to pay

[@edderfranco7077]

Really good information... like the new preventive videos. Keep it up.

[@1AAuto]

+Edder Franco Thanks for the feedback!

[@anthonygee4157]

Car issues be a pain in the ass

[@willjc32]

Yes smh

[@triplethreatgamer5247]

This helped a lot ; thanks 🙏🏽

[@quadare1]

Bruhhh I love you man❤ my coolant was low...

[@1AAuto]

+Zack Pierce Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@veronicapena8921]

Thank you your video is awesome

[@Cakeexe]

My mechanic forgot to bleed my cooling system. We had it idling in the parking lot while I was filling out paperwork. Came out and the needle was pegged at H. Fun day

[@kicknsystm]

2000 Xterra runs fine most of the time but sometime the needle runs to 3/4 or higher. No consistency at all. Sometimes in the city/stop/start & sometimes on the interstate 55/75mph. In the past it in time goes back down on its own. I've parked for now, being cautious but I'm thinking thermostat. Everything except the radiator is basically new but it looks fine & I'm not loosing any coolant. Ideas?

[@clintpeterson9028]

Good info I learned a lot

[@smug8567]

Now I'm hungry for some fajitas! Thanks .

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Hello sir and thank you for your video. 05 tahoe here!!. I was in stop and go traffic the other day when I noticed my engine temperature gauge moving past the 210°F point where it usually and normally operates. It would not completely go in to the red zone but it did concern me since it never did that before. I had the heat running at that time when this happened. While trying to diagnose this issue, I notice that when I would turn the heat off the temperature gauge would go back down to its normal operating range of 210°. Any idea on what maybe causing this?? I have a new radiator, new water pump and thermostat. Also new heating and radiator hoses. I have not notice any leaks and my coolant level is normal.

[@guesswhomartin9249]

Good video.. thank you.

[@Vvrroommm]

My VeLRicle is smoking 🚬. No pressure on the radiator cap was issue one. Issue two hoping to collect the gunk with all in one Preston: Preston flush+ Cleaner and a couple of runs and drains of pure water.

[@amtonio5602]

Great teacher

[@karimafzalzada970]

U doing great job thank you

[@MoeFokah]

Jeez. I was heading to work and there was white smoke our from under my hood. Pretty thick, especially on idle at a light. I checked my coolant (after cooling) and it was Very low (though I refilled a week ago). The temp guage was ALL THE WAY up as well. Engine also makes this strange gargling sound when I start it up. Man I'm nervous as most seem to point at gasket issues. And I had a water pump issue 2months back which the mechanic (supposedly) fixed.

[@isufan89]

Hi Len! I love your enthusiasm. Thanks for the informative video!

[@mahmoudalshawi2010]

Thanks Lin & 1A Auto team .... You are awesome...

[@1AAuto]

+Mahmoud Al Shawi Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@emilianosgamboaofficial]

Very good information

[@1AAuto]

+Emiliano S Gamboa offical Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@brycethoreson9216]

Dude definitely knows his stuff

[@1AAuto]

+bryce thoreson Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@iamthemaninde]

Another great video 👍👍

[@1AAuto]

+Michael Anthony Crum Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@binhnguyenthai6071]

Best explanation. Thanks so much!

[@imranabbasi7871]

Good job

[@1AAuto]

+Imran Abbasi Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@weatherman0017]

My Dodge takes the green coolant. I put just a little bit of orange coolant to top off the reservoir. Before I realized my mistake. What's the difference between the two fluids? And do I need to flush my coolant system?

[@ShivamKamaansing]

Almost at 1 million 😀

[@1AAuto]

+shivam kamaansing !!!!!!!

[@ifyene9046]

The mechanic had the thermostat removed at the installation of a replacement/new engine to allow free flow of water or coolant into the engine. I got another radiator but keep loosing water after every 20km or less (in heavy traffic situation). 2. Is it right to remove thermostats from the car because the car is now being used in the tropics where the atmospheric temperature is high like Africa ,to prevent overheating?

[@oliverbalangue5956]

I have question to you my engine is smoking while Im driving I pullover checked and my coolant tank is empty. Wht do you think is the ptoblem?

[@kratosopp]

How about an Ambient sensor because of my car always says -40 and the sensor I believe is not working properly can that also cause the car to overheat

[@christymills2167]

I have a Pontiac aztek 03 I changed the thermostat on it and it’s leaking from the bottom out the fluid I have to keep coolant in it constantly I’m assuming it a coolant leak but I’m not a mechanic!!!!

[@kevinnelson7070]

The hand gestures remind me of Scotty Kilmer, are they related 😄

[@salvadorgutierrezr5914]

Thank you for the info🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍✌✌✌✌✌

[@1AAuto]

+Salvador Gutierrezr Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@timszon]

Use ion water for coolant mixture regular water causes rust.

[@alvkvy]

Coolant temp sensor is probably my issue since my fans aren’t coming on. Coolant overflow did have coolant coming out, so hopefully not something worse, I’m going to try and replace the coolant temp sensor if I can find it on my 2000 Lexus gs300!

[@1AAuto]

+Alexander Lara Trespalacios Thanks for the feedback!

[@angelatbluehairedsudios8106]

I'm having a little steam coming out of the hood of my 2003 Chevy Ventura but the dash panel doesn't register as overheating. I can't get emissions with this steaming. Ive had all the fluids changed because it sat a while before i bought it. It drives beautifully except the steam. Im super poor and am moving into this minivan. Any advice would be so helpful to this older poir and disabled gal! Please help!

[@dustinsmith1556]

I was driving my 2005 Nissan 350Z and after 10 minutes I noticed the temp guage was all the way up. I shut if off and noticed coolant was leaking and some steam going up in the air. After letting it cool down I drove it back home and didn't hear anything unusual from the engine and didn't feel anything different. I don't think anything got warped but is there a way to make sure everything is ok without striping the whole engine apart. I want to fix it but I don't want to soak my money into a car that the engine will just die on me further down the road.

[@jewishpatriot.1754]

Love this boy

[@JadePetersen-pz8ek]

This guy knows what he is talking about and can explain it to people like myself and I thank him for that

[@GFS695]

How about radiator cap?

[@jacquelynworlds3178]

My 2007 Ford Mustang all of sudden the heat stop blowing well and then it started smoking under the hood it looked like water was everywhere under the hood do you think water mix with the oil

[@cameronarmijo4524]

What was it?grey smoke boiling coolant?

[@CortesGamingPR]

Hey did you find the problem?

[@gamermasta525]

Can you still use the turkey baster on turkey after?

[@AjayKumar-rp7me]

Good

[@1AAuto]

+Ajay Kumar Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@albanciveja1777]

Nice

[@1AAuto]

+Alban Civeja Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@carspotterfl1883]

Almost @ 1,000,000 Subs!

[@1AAuto]

+Carspotter FL !!!!!!!

[@caramellohoney]

If someone didn't screw the coolant cap on properly, how soon can it over heat the engine. Would I always see smoke or steam if I've cooked my engine. What's the signs of a cooked engine. ?

[@jpowerhands3607]

If somebody didn't properly screw your radiator cap on what will happen is your radiator fluid will boil out and your car would be real hot and super smokey and yes it could have potential damage depending on how long it was like that

[@juukimax6334]

Can you help me find out what's my problem with 2010 Ford Sport Trac? Sometimes, car won't start after few minutes turning off engine. Sometimes the car engine stops running on the road after driving like 20 to 40 minutes? It will start sometimes after a few minutes. Battery is Ok, but seems like fuel not entering the engine. Fuel pump was replaced already, but same problem. Let me know if you have any idea for a solution. Thanks and really like your videos.

[@1AAuto]

+Juuk Imax We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@lorettamartin561]

My daughter has the same problem let me know if you find out the problem

[@aac2441]

Is it good idea to change the thermostat when I Flash out the Coolant?

[@1AAuto]

+Anibal Chun Thanks for checking us out! This is not always needed however if you have not replaced this before and the vehicle is getting up there in years, it may be best while you're in the general area. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@Mr.Freeze8754]

I have this problem ,I changed the heater core and thermostat fresh antifreeze in it ,I smell it and some steam ,water pump is good, the sensor ,not sure if I turn on the air conditioner the fan goes on ,if I disconnect the sensor it's goes on ,then I plugged it back in it stops working ,I don't know if the guy bleed it or not . Or if it needs to be replaced.the sensor 🤔🤔🤔 but there's not any leaking ..

[@afsyamafzany9004]

Road to 1mil subscriber...

[@1AAuto]

+afsyam afzany Almost there!

[@adjeijoel2434]

Good 👍🏽

[@lindamontana9458]

Hi what might be wrong if my car is steaming? As soon as I start it the idle is really fast and loud. In about10 seconds it's steaming. Hope you can give me an idea.

[@1AAuto]

+Linda Montana We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. This sounds like an overheating issue, possibly there is an issue with the throttle body/position sensor not working properly causing irregular and high idling. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@moognn3018]

GOOD VIDEO 👍👍

[@1AAuto]

+moog nn Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@lisatrout8306]

This happened to me what just happened to my grandma’s car what do I do? I hope I hope it doesn’t fall.

[@nombusoxaba7104]

Hi is normal has 6 bar gauge? Ad water going so fast but no leaks, please help

[@AMDGAlex]

What if my coolant isn’t going down much but I get the issues of smoke, overheating

[@alanramirez6700]

Hello! I noticed a small amount of steam coming out of the grill by the radiator, I have an Infiniti G37, my ac and heater works fine and my gauge says is not overheating, any suggestions?

[@tkjofficialtkj8513]

Same issue minus a infinity g37 Honda accord

[@ImVow]

question my car over heat bcuz no oil i made it home safe than k god but what should i do ? go put some oil ? right after ? or wait next morning ?

[@1AAuto]

+Vow We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@ImVow]

@@1AAuto thanks btw any mechanic in here what do you guys recomend im low on budget and i got myself oil filter and oil to change it

[@boardingbear]

Verhicle

[@robertoandrade519]

my car wouldn’t start after overheating on the highway...is this good or bad? its a 2013 dodge Journey

[@misterdanfemi2572]

Hello, my Toyota Corolla 2007 overheats when the AC is on, but sometimes stops immidiately the AC is turned off, the fan picks the moment the AC is turned on, what could be the issue please?

[@1AAuto]

+misterDan Femi We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@goldwolf0606]

😂 that happened to my project car today 😂😂😂😂

[@Zolega89]

Why is there smoke coming out of your hood, Seymour?

[@proxidedemon0077]

I gotta problem with my 1998 Honda Accord ex over heating it’s way up high the needle

[@adolg4049]

Yesterday i was driving my mk4 golf tdi and i Feel something a smell And Affter 2 min i Just Pull Out car and When i Open Hood a lot of white smoke comes from Engine but I didnt find where Soo i Turn off car imediatly and After i Wait to cooldown i try to start And it start an dies instantly after i try Sometimes Batery light comes in dashboard and car just cranks and after seconds Crank Slows and no crank at all After i Jump cable crank comes back but no Way starting I check fuse relays are ok Soo What can be ?????

[@user-nm8wo6vv5m]

Ching sensitive speed Mazda 2003

[@dthundergunb3115]

I never buy 50/50 I always buy concentrate and just mix two gallons worth of coolant, especially since concentrate is just like 2 extra bucks for a second gallon. I know people will be like it's just two bucks hell in the Biden economy it's two more dollars towards high gas prices

[@bradysolaem2467]

Did you say verhicle?

[@clownmo6367]

What happened to mine was when it started to smoke, my coolant went up

[@markjordan4994]

If you lost ALL of your coolant, won't your temperature gauge read cold, no matter how hot it is?

[@gamermasta525]

That's what I'm wondering

[@cosmepeccerelli7032]

My mechanic told me I need to get a radiator hose for my bmw 535xi 2008

[@codygrimaldi1347]

Looks like a car that came out of country side Len

[@atillaozturk7075]

BAD THERMOSTAT OR WATER PUMP OR CLOGGED RADIATOR HOSES OR BROKEN FAN OR HEAD GASKETS

[@kassandras69able]

I got one but it's not telling me why there steam coming out around the top of my engine

[@sandrainacio1460]

Was I had smoke coming of the hood and it was lack of oil

[@user-qq8vn5yt1y]

Bro yo face throwing me off I can’t concentrate😂😂😩

[@reddspacesallij7270]

Your a handsy type. Your nervous. Your hands are flying everywhere. Your knowledgeable put some tools or synergies heavy in your hands until you become comfy use boards with drawing if you need to I watched your hands instead of listening. Your very good you can help many I hear truth in your voice people need that. Jeep making the videos you'll get to be super relaxed soon enough. Thanks for the info.

[@samuelpetrie4809]

Hey guys have a few problems an questions that could help out on what might be the problem but I was on the way home an truck was overheating hoping to make it home! But after 20 min driving the truck turned off an alot of white smoke was coming from the left side of the engine I don't know much about trucks I'd really appreciate if any one can help out!

[@samuelpetrie4809]

An when I let it cool down a bit drove it down the street an liquid came from the air intake an the exhaust an white smoke from exhaust

[@samuelpetrie4809]

I have a 2002 dodge ram 4.7L V8

[@samuelpetrie4809]

So right now every time I let it idle it over heats withing 10 min or so but no liquid coming from air intake or exhaust

[@samuelpetrie4809]

It jus over heats

[@nuckle5525]

My car is doing this and it’s also making a weird noise

[@1AAuto]

+Nuckle Thanks for checking us out! We hope this helps you get a better understanding on the issue, if this is still an issue, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it.

[@yamy4193]

funny thing....my coolant evaporates in the reservoir

[@bradysolaem2467]

Not a sealed system ( resivor )

[@AjayKumar-rp7me]

💚 by india

[@1AAuto]

+Ajay Kumar Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@christianmeland]

Vericles

[@Snadzies]

Sees orange coolant. Off, that's going to be expensive.

[@Nokia_rl]

Time to get a new car after spending 15k on car that and only having it for 3 months

[@ItsOscar]

I had this happen to my 2008 Buick Lucerne, I told myself I won’t put anymore money into it

[@ricardo07serrano96]

My car overheats smoke come out by the radiator

[@tenncolor6586]

Lol, that sweet smell make my ears ring, get out of those fumes asap

[@adriananoelle4699]

Err, do you mean the lower valance/air dam?