Trouble Starting then Engine Rattle and Smoke

Discuss any problems, warranty, repair, or replacement issues you are having with your Vibe & Matrix
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CDNpatriot
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:17 pm

Trouble Starting then Engine Rattle and Smoke

Post by CDNpatriot »

I started by 2009 Vibe GT today and it had difficulty starting. 2km into a drive in heavy traffic a rattling sound was heard every time I accelerated. I noticed that the temperature gauge was not working. Smelt some burning and then a lot of smoke came from the car. Oil and Tranny level okay. One of the hoses was spraying smoke as it seemed to have a leak. There was smoke in the white plastic reservoir where the excess coolant goes.

I had the check engine and the traction control and VSC flashing but that was because of the O2 sensor gone bad and preexisted this problem.

Any ideas what this can be? Is it the water pump that died maybe?
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT
andrewclaus
Posts: 565
Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2017 6:38 pm
Location: Golden, CO

Re: Trouble Starting then Engine Rattle and Smoke

Post by andrewclaus »

Have you ever witnessed a car overheating? Rather than smoke, you may be seeing water vapor.

If you've driven any distance with a loss of coolant from a leaking hose, there could be substantial damage.

An O2 sensor problem should not light up the VSC and traction control light. If anything is flashing, it's a bad, possibly fatal, problem. A steady light is typical for an O2 sensor problem. Get a new reading of codes if you can.
CDNpatriot
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:17 pm

Re: Trouble Starting then Engine Rattle and Smoke

Post by CDNpatriot »

For this vehicle besides the tempeerature gauge going high are there any other warning lights that would indicate an issue?
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT
CDNpatriot
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:17 pm

Re: Trouble Starting then Engine Rattle and Smoke

Post by CDNpatriot »

So the initial assessment is that the radiator, hose, and overflow reservoir for the coolant all need replacement. The mechanic said he can't tell if there was further damage to the engine. Looks like one of the hose broke releasing the coolant.
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT
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