HELP my 2000 solara died

[dnoogie]

So I noticed that for the past week, my car makes this light squeeling sound when I start the engine. Last night I was driving and noticed that the Check Engine light turned on. Then I saw the temperature gauge was beyond high, but I wasn't sure how long that had been going on. I was a couple of miles from home and hoped that I would make it, but unfortunately when I stopped at a red light, the car died and smoke started coming out from the hood. I had to get it towed home. I looked at the coolant level and it looks full. I haven't seen it leak anything. I tried to start it this morning, but it made this awful loud clanking/grinding noise that I've never heard before. I'm not sure if it actually started or not since i just immediately turned off the car. I'm going to try to get it to a mechanic somehow, but was wondering if anyone had any idea of what could be wrong with it and if it sounds major. Thanks!!

[kevdude]

Any luck? Sounds like the water pump to me. My Avalon did the same thing about a year ago. No leaks, but the plastic gears in the pump had disintegrated. Took awhile to get all the pieces out of the engine, but it ran fine once it was replaced.

[tht1gurl]

I think kevdude is right. Here's an article that goes more in-depth on what happens when you have water pump problems: http://www.aa1car.com/library/water_pump.htm.

If the engine has overheated, the entire cooling system (radiator, hoses, water pump and engine) must all be inspected to see if there are any coolant leaks.

^Definitely make sure to follow that, you'd rather be safe than sorry.

And this website has parts for a 2000 Solara ranging from replacement water pumps to pieces (I'm not 100% exactly sure which parts of the pump need to be replaced); http://www..com/search/?N=0&Nr=AND(wpn_tl_name:Engine+%26+Drivetrain,wpn_ cat_name:Radiators\,+Cooling+Systems+%26+Component s,wpn_scat_name:Water+Pumps+%26+Components,univers al:1)&Nmrf=page:serp&use_warranty_code_parent=Auto Trust&V=4294967152+4294964319+4294967189&refType=T ab&refValue=Universal

If I get the time to do more research for you, I will. Hopefully this info will put you in the right direction.

EDIT: Ignore the "I hate spammers" emoticon that appeared in the link above, the link still works.