Smoke from the Grill

[patchmo]

my Explorer is 2 weeks old and yesterday I took it for its first car wash. Now I live in a cold climate (Toronto) but last night we were at about 0c or 32f when I got the wash.....right after I noticed smoke coming from the grill and a bit of a burning smell in the cabin. I figured it was from the hot water and cold weather.

After picking up my daughter from dance class, the smoking was still happening when I returned home.

The temp gauge was slightly under 1/2 way.

Will check today and report back but has this happen to others?

 

[lexrid]

Sounds like maybe it was just steam...cold water hitting the warm engine. Smell could have been the same thing...soap on the warm engine. I've smelled that with ours before while in the car wash. Doesn't sound like anything serious but keep us updated if you find anything out.

 

[Kevlar7R]

Maybe it's time to flip your steaks?

 

[peterk9]

my Explorer is 2 weeks old and yesterday I took it for its first car wash. Now I live in a cold climate (Toronto) but last night we were at about 0c or 32f when I got the wash.....right after I noticed smoke coming from the grill and a bit of a burning smell in the cabin. I figured it was from the hot water and cold weather.

After picking up my daughter from dance class, the smoking was still happening when I returned home.

The temp gauge was slightly under 1/2 way.

Will check today and report back but has this happen to others?

I don't know about the smoke part but if it was white in colour it was likely steam. The part that it was still happening on the return trip might be a bit worrisome.
As for the Temp gauge, here a couple of threads you might want to check out.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326923&highlight=temperature+gauge

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=331304&highlight=temperature+gauge

Peter

 

[FordService]

my Explorer is 2 weeks old and yesterday I took it for its first car wash. Now I live in a cold climate (Toronto) but last night we were at about 0c or 32f when I got the wash.....right after I noticed smoke coming from the grill and a bit of a burning smell in the cabin. I figured it was from the hot water and cold weather.

After picking up my daughter from dance class, the smoking was still happening when I returned home.

The temp gauge was slightly under 1/2 way.

Will check today and report back but has this happen to others?

Hey patchmo,

Definitely keep your eye on it, and if you're concerned you can always make an appointment at your dealership so they can inspect. Ford certified techs are great at what they do and can give you peace of mind. Keep us posted!

Crystal

 

[airdog007]

The same thing happened to me last week. I took mine in to get hand wash and whiles they were finishing up I noticed some steam or smoke coming out from the grill. I figured since I live in NY and it was cold the water had hit something hot. When I was driving home I still noticed it. So i guess I just have to keep watching it. what else can it be?

Temperature gauge was fine all the way home.

 

[broken strut]

It's steam.

 

[broken strut]

I live in Canada. It happens everytime I wash my EX. It only happens after I wash it. Because it's steam coming out of the grill off the hot engine. Water makes steam when it hits hot surfaces.

 

[JustAiks]

Happened to me this past week in Pennsylvania following real frigid temperatures. Exactly as you described; smoke from the front end and a slightly "off" almost burning smell circulating around.

 

[broken strut]

There was no burning smell coming from mine. It was just steam coming from the engine compartment. I got out and opened the hood and voila there was water turning to vapour ..... "steam" along the front grille. No burning smell. Just plain old steam.

 

[edub]

steam for sure. happens everytime i wash it

 

[broken strut]

Hey patchmo,

Definitely keep your eye on it, and if you're concerned you can always make an appointment at your dealership so they can inspect. Ford certified techs are great at what they do and can give you peace of mind. Keep us posted!

Crystal

Actually I inspect my Ex after the techs touch it. I have had the following after dealer visits.

Battery cable left loose. Must have disconnected it to reboot MFT...
Cover for fuse box laying on the floor ..... Must have pulled "the" fuse.....
Hood not completely closed.... see first one
interior panel scratched and loose on inside center console ..... MFT Again
Said they replaced A pillars complete.... same chalk marks I put on them prior to the fix..... They didn't replace anything.
LOOSE oil filter ..... leaked oil all day at work ...

Peace of mind......

 

[edub]

Actually I inspect my Ex after the techs touch it. I have had the following after dealer visits.

Battery cable left loose. Must have disconnected it to reboot MFT...
Cover for fuse box laying on the floor ..... Must have pulled "the" fuse.....
Hood not completely closed.... see first one
interior panel scratched and loose on inside center console ..... MFT Again
Said they replaced A pillars complete.... same chalk marks I put on them prior to the fix..... They didn't replace anything.
LOOSE oil filter ..... leaked oil all day at work ...

Peace of mind......

dude! WTF? take your truck to a different dealer!!!!