White smoke from under bonnet when putting key in ignition.

[jollyjohnny]

Hello everybody, back again asking for advice!

Very recently I've noticed smoke from under the bonnet - it's white in colour no obvious smell of electrical burning. It only happens first thing and when the key is placed in the ignition, not on start. Nor does it appear to resurface after use - only when it's cooled. I've had the bonnet off, left it for a few hours and the likely culprit appears to be an electrical connection associated with the radiator. I've searched through the forum for similar, can't see anything associated with our problem.

The 'sensor' is on the right hand side (from above, directly in front) to the bottom of the radiator.

Thanks for looking..!

John

 

[birtyA2]

Hmm, could it be this?

A bit of a worry, not sure why it would produce smoke, would have to have a look at a diagram, could it be vapour rather than smoke? Does your car have aircon

best wishes

J

 

[jollyjohnny]

Hmm, could it be this?

View attachment 108292

A bit of a worry, not sure why it would produce smoke, would have to have a look at a diagram, could it be vapour rather than smoke? Does your car have aircon

best wishes

J

Thanks for your response, I'm not entirely sure if it does, this is the control unit if that helps. After seeing the diagram - could it be a pressure problem - a valve failing to release pressure. I can't see evidence of burning or heat. It's always set on econ mode if that helps anybody?

 

[MickAli]

That was my thoughts too. If that sensor is in front of the aircon radiator then potentially as said it could be aircon gas vapour and is pretty noxious stuff. You don't want to be breathing it in!

 

[MickAli]

Thanks for your response, I'm not entirely sure if it does, this is the control unit if that helps. After seeing the diagram - could it be a pressure problem - a valve failing to release pressure. I can't see evidence of burning or heat. It's always set on econ mode if that helps anybody?

Yes you have aircon

 

[Robin_Cox]

On my project car the G65 was compromised by age and exposure to the elements. Developed internal corrosion, shorted out and took out the power steering controller and other systems on the same CANBUS circuit. It's a simple part to replace even with the bumper in situ - maybe worth swapping a new one in in case the original is on the verge of failure?

 

[birtyA2]

Hi

So yes to aircon from the picture. Are you able to scan the car, it would be interesting to see if it’s throwing error codes.

Useful picture here

Outside air temperature sensor

I did try a forum search for: outside air temperature sensor Too many occurrences of “temperature” and “sensor”... Please can someone tell me where the outside air temperature sensor is for the A2? I don’t have an issue; just interest. Thank you, Andrew

www.a2oc.net

J

 

[jollyjohnny]

It was going in for a scan with a local A2 owners member later today - not anymore, the G65 damm thing set on fire this morning. I managed to put it out without damage to surrounding areas. Weird because it only smoked when you inserted the key in the ignition, start it, turn it off - it was 'ok'. Any ideas? Can it be disconnected to try get it to a garage?

 

[MickAli]

I may get corrected, but I would say yes absolutely disconnect it before it shorts up the loom creating a disaster! If it's only for the aircon as long as you don't use the climate control it shouldn't have any affect.

 

[jollyjohnny]

Thanks Mick. This video shows how it's supposed to come off I assume, I think mine might have welded it'self to the housing it's not for moving - would WD40 be practical given it's around electrical connections (if it's just 'stiff')

 

[jollyjohnny]

Sorted, managed to get it off without WD40. Now, no smoke on ignition key entry. Wasn't for sliding off and had to use 2 screwdrivers to make an increasing wedge and slide. Thanks for all your replies, this forum really is an invaluable resource for A2 (and others) owners.

Thank you all !