Q: After you sit with the car running, the car starts smoking and eventually starts shaking

asked by on October 09, 2016

I start the car, car runs fine after awhile and after I park the car and sit with the car still running, it seems as if the engine starts shaking and after awhile starts smoking! Is it overheating? What could be the problem?

My car has 110000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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Hi, thanks for writing in. It all depends where the smoke is coming from. If it is from the exhaust then your engine be running rich and starting to foul out the spark plugs. Have the computer tested to see if any codes are present that could indicate what is causing the smoke. If you see smoke from the engine compartment then you may be running the engine hot due to low airflow over the radiator. Have the cooling fan checked to make sure it is running. If it is running and the vehicle has the AC running and the blower is on or near high then you may be using more energy than the alternator can keep up with. This can cause the radiator fan to not turn as fast as it should and let the temperature to rise if idled for long periods. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

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