Grinding noise and smoke from under the car hood
A grinding sound accompanied by sharp-smelling smoke typically points to either a seized component like a water pump or a heavily slipping drive belt. Continuing to drive risks complete accessory failure or engine overheating, making it necessary to inspect the belts and pulley covers before starting the car again.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Waiting until morning to jack up the vehicle and remove covers
- 2Checking if the smoke smells sweet or sharp
- 3Inspecting the pulley by hand
- 4Asking for peer confirmation on online forums
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I think i know whats wrong with it, I'm looking for confirmation.”source ↗
“02 Honda civic lx, got home from work smelled the smoke and popped the hood.”source ↗
“I didn't hear much other than a grinding sound which I had already thought was the water pump and everything to go with that comes tomorrow”source ↗
“I'll have to wait til morning to jack it up and remove some covers I guess to find out”source ↗
“The smoke is more sharp smelling, so probably belts I guess.”source ↗
“a bit of smoke came out the hood while she was driving.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
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- 17Why does my car run terribly and stutter after a long drive?
- 3Smoke and oil leaking from engine bay after driving
- 6Engine rattling noise and sudden coolant leak while driving