3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Yesterday evening, when I parked the car after driving only 5 miles, I found there was smoke emitting from the head of my car. At the same time there was a smell of burning plastics and some fluid leaking out near the right front wheel. This morning, I checked the car and found that power steering fluid was much below the minimal mark and all other oils and fluids were above minimal. Is the overheating caused by the inadequate power steering fluid or some other problems? Can I buy power steering fluid and add it directly? Do I need to find someone to check whether something was burned? Thanks for your attention.
Look for the leak. It probably sprayed on the engine or exhaust manifold and caused the smoke and the loss of fluid. Adding fluid to it won't help if it leaks out.
Wipe down the power steering hoses and the boots on the steering rack. A hose may have burst. You should be able to feel a hole as you slide your hand over it.
__________________ It worked fine until I fixed it!
Thank csaxon. How can I look for the leak. There was leak yesterday evening when the smoke was emitted. This morning there was no leak and I have never found the leak problem before. I am not sure whether I can drive the car to the garage for checking or I should find someone to tow my car to the garage.
I would add steering fluid, briefly start the car and see if it sprays fluid as the power steering pump is running. Running the steering pump without fluid may damage it..
If you can't fix it yourself then I would have it towed to a trusted repair facility.
__________________ It worked fine until I fixed it!
Add power steering fluid (which is actually Dexron III transmission fluid) to bring the level near the full mark. Then check for leaks.
If your car actually overheated, it was not from the lack of power steering fluid. The overheating would be a separate issue. What did the temperature gage on the dash show? Did it show a high temperature reading?
I believe it should not be caused by the lack of power steering fluid. I didn't notice the temperature on the dash board then because I had already switched off the power.
Please make sure that you get the correct fluid for the ps system. It uses Dexron III, NOT power steering fluid.
If the engine isn't overheating then go with what csaxon is describing. If you physically, wipe down the hoses you can often feel a tear where it is leaking from. If you have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch the engine compartment you will probably see the spray and the resultant smoke. Do keep Mike's comment in mind and keep an eye on the engine temp.
Kep
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Often, it's the loose screw between the steering wheel and the driver's seat that needs to be fixed first!
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overheated and power steering fluid
It worked fine until I fixed it! 
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