HI Guys,

I'm new to the forums and by no means any sort of mechanic, just wondered if anyone could give me a little bit of friendly advice.

As we know, Yesterday was the hottest day we've had in England for a long day with temperatures of up to 37 degrees!

After a long (3.5 hours) drive from London to Home, the car appeared to be driving fine, although I did notice that the AC wasn't working correctly for most of the journey. Just before home, I stopped at the local supermarket (400m) away to grab some things, then continued home.

Upon arrival, I noticed a reasonable amount of smoke coming from under the bonnet with a burning smell!!!

As, i am no mechanic, i decided to leave it until today, so everything had cooled down, mainly, as i worried for my life, lol.

Today I checked the oil and water/coolant tank and all appeared to be fine with no leaks.

HOwever, I drove around the block and the Steering had stiffened enormously and the Battery light was on, it was like driving a tank!

Does anyone have any idea, what this could be?

I've done some googling, but not found a problem that is similar to my own, other that replacing the Steering Pump, which will just not be worth it IMO.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

To Summarise:

-Extremely Hot Day
-AIr Con loss
-Smoke(Burning smell) under bonnet upon arrival from long drive
-Next day Steering has gone and battery light is on

Thanks

 

sounds like the serpentine belt has gone, may be due to air con compressor seizing up, I have had two fail on very hot days .

 

Thanks for the reply, upon further inspection and having a look around the car, it was indeed the Serpentine/Auxiliary Belt.

Took it to the garage, got A Quote of £88 for parts and labour, but upon further inspection, the reason the belt snapped, was because the Air con pump has completely seized to its pulley, there for needed a whole new pump at £400 with labour and re-gassing!!!! nightmare!!

Now, I'm trying to look for a used part, but apparently it can be one of two mounting brackets at 110mm, or 91mm. but of course if they take it off, the labour fees start and i could be in for a heavy fee.

Gonna stick up another thread, seeing if anybody knows the exact size

 

They won't be able to help unless you give us the car details!

Please post an intro in the new members section when you can.

 

Sorry, I started a new thread asking the relevant question, as thought it was the best way to get the answer needed, but the car I have is a:

2002 X-type 2.5 Sport Auto