Troubleshooting. smoking car..

[Zrun]

After a meeting today, we are all going home..

 

One of my friend's car, 1997 Toyota 4runner, after he started the car, it sounded funny. So he turned off the engine, however, the sound of starting engine keep on going.

 

I think the starter kept on going and smoke starts to fume out... Eventually, the car died, after 5 mins or so.

 

After that, I disconnected battery terminals, checked the engine oil, very low 1cm below low mark, and transmission fluid is WAY low... It is at about 15 cm below the low mark..

 

What kind of problems can this be? Is this possible sabotage by mechanic? How can the starter keep on starting after key is pulled out.. The fan was turning too.

Edited May 10, 2003 by Zrun

[Pauly75ts]

"How can the starter keep on starting after key is pulled out.. The fan was turning too"

 

Hi! there, Zrun,

 

This sounds like an electrical problem at the ignition switch. There might be power arcing at the switch.

 

When did your friend send the car to the w/shop? Quite impossible for the w/shop to sabotage their customers, if they frequent the shop. At your location, they'd be sued until they'd have to close shop.

 

Rgds

 

Paul Yong