Mysterious Smoke and No Start

[sho 'nuff]

My car is having some serious issues right now. It has been turning over kinda of funny recently and today it just stopped turning over. Then when I would try to start it, I would have a puff of smoke coming from around the driver's side area somewhere underneath the coil pack, but not coming from the pack. The smell is sort of like wires burning. It almost looks like it could be coming from the starter area. Although I just had the starter replaced, porbably 2 months ago. And when it would not turn over at all, the only noise I would get seemed to be coming from what I think was the starter relay(small box right behind driver's side headlight attatched to frame)Right now the car is sitting at the shop until monday, when they will be able to look at it. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or similar problems.

 

[Blast7]

I'm not really sure on any specific ideas but I would just start to troubleshoot everything involving ignition. I would check the plugs, plug wires, starter, solenoid, coil pack, etc.

 

[sho 'nuff]

I had new plugs, wires, alternator and battery put on it a little less than 2 years ago. And the ignition switch was replaced within the last year when my tranny was rebuilt. Also like I said I don't have the car right now....decided since it was started it was best to take it right to the shop so it would not have to be towed. What really ****** me off is I just had subframe connectors put on yesterday. shoot I didn't even get to enjoy them yet. burn_out

<small>[ August 10, 2002, 12:41 PM: Message edited by: sho 'nuff ]</small>

 

[projectSHO89]

Probably a corroded battery cable. Have them inspect the starter/engine block end of the ground cable. If the insulation is bubbled or the wire is green from corrosion, the cable is bad and will cause your exact symptom. Also have them check the positive connection to the starter. If it was not secured tightly or if the cable had the above appearance, it will also cause the syptom you described.

My 89 smoked its ground cable last January with the same symtom. I induced the problem with the positive cable when I put it all back together.

If it's a bad cable, Ford will sell you a new harness for way over 100 bucks. You get both battery cables whether you want them or not. I found a cable at PartsAmerica that was the correct guage and about the right length for under 15 bucks as a replacement for the ground cable.

Steve
89

 

[sho 'nuff]

Alright, that's some info I will try to pass along to them tomorrow. Thanks man....maybe I should add a sig like yours. "Used to be a 7k taurus...now its a 14k fast piece of luxury crap" shoot

Naw, its all good; just a love/hate relationship the SHO and I have.