Why Is Your 2018 Honda Accord Emitting Smoke? Here's How To Fix It

How to Fix Smoke

Dealing with smoke coming from your 2018 Honda Accord can be concerning. It's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage. One owner emphasized their dedication to Honda projects, stating, "I made a page dedicated to my current honda projects my 2018 accord 2.0, 95 del sol si and a 92 eg hatch that im trying to work on simultaneously @hondamuju on IG." (source) Let's dive into how to diagnose and fix smoke issues specific to this model.

Symptoms

Owners of the vehicle have reported a few symptoms that may accompany the appearance of smoke. While the presence of smoke itself is the most obvious sign, other related issues can provide clues as to the underlying cause. These symptoms can range from performance-related problems to visual cues.

One symptom that can accompany smoke is a check engine light. While a check engine light can signal a variety of issues, it’s crucial to get the code read to help narrow down the potential causes of the smoke. The light often appears because the system detects an issue with fuel combustion or exhaust emissions.

Rough idle can also be a symptom. This means the engine is shaking or sputtering when the vehicle is stopped or idling. Rough idle is often related to issues with the fuel or air mixture, which can also contribute to the presence of smoke. A misfire is an example of this situation.

Another symptom is an oil leak. An oil leak may suggest oil is burning, leading to smoke, especially if you notice it near the exhaust. Regularly check your oil levels and look for any visible leaks under the vehicle.

While heat wasn't directly linked to smoke, it is related to a blown head gasket. As one owner said, "Officials diagnosed second blown head gasket 1.5t 89k miles Got the call I was dreading this morning after the diagnostics test they confirmed another blown head gasket just 45k miles after the initial repair my head gasket was fixed at 44k miles along with the fuel injectors." (source) This indirectly relates as head gaskets can cause coolant and oil mixing, leading to smoke.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the primary cause for smoke issues in the 2018 Honda Accord appears to be related to the fuel system. The fuel system is responsible for delivering the correct amount of fuel to the engine for combustion. When something goes wrong, it can lead to incomplete combustion, which results in smoke being emitted from the exhaust. This may relate to the head gasket as well. Some owners refer to it being a possible reason as to why all the lights on the dash would light up. As one owner stated, "My gf’s accord was nothing but reliable up until a year ago when all the lights on the dash would light up. You could still drive and they would eventually go away." (source)

How to Diagnose

To diagnose the exact cause of the smoke, follow these steps:

1. Check the Color of the Smoke: The color of the smoke can provide important clues. Blue smoke often indicates burning oil, black smoke suggests too much fuel, and white smoke might mean burning coolant.

2. Check the Check Engine Light: Use an OBD-II scanner to read any trouble codes stored in the car's computer. This can point you to the specific area of the fuel system that is malfunctioning.

3. Inspect for Oil Leaks: Look for signs of oil leaks around the engine, especially near the valve cover gaskets, oil pan, and rear main seal.

4. Check Coolant Levels: Verify the coolant level in the reservoir and radiator. Low coolant levels can indicate a leak or head gasket issue, which can cause white smoke.

5. Fuel Injector Inspection: A faulty fuel injector can cause too much fuel to enter the combustion chamber.

6. Compression Test: Performing a compression test can help determine if there are any issues with the engine's cylinders, such as worn rings or valves, that could contribute to oil burning and smoke.

Tools needed:

• OBD-II scanner
• Basic socket set
• Wrench set
• Flashlight
• Compression tester

Step-by-Step Fix

Addressing smoke issues in your vehicle involves several potential fixes, depending on the diagnosis. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on common solutions:

1. Address Oil Leaks: If you find oil leaks, replace the affected gaskets or seals. This usually involves removing the component, cleaning the surface, and installing a new gasket. Ensure that you torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.

2. Replace Faulty Fuel Injectors: If the OBD-II scanner indicates a faulty fuel injector, replace it. Start by disconnecting the fuel rail and removing the old injector. Install the new injector and reassemble the fuel rail.

3. Fix Coolant Leaks: Locate and repair any coolant leaks. This might involve replacing hoses, clamps, or even the radiator itself.

4. Head Gasket Replacement: A blown head gasket is a more involved repair. This requires removing the cylinder head, cleaning the surfaces, and installing a new head gasket. Torque the head bolts according to the manufacturer's specifications. An owner recounted, "Officials diagnosed second blown head gasket 1.5t 89k miles Got the call I was dreading this morning after the diagnostics test they confirmed another blown head gasket just 45k miles after the initial repair my head gasket was fixed at 44k miles along with the fuel injectors." (source)

5. Check the low beams: While not directly related to smoke, electrical issues can sometimes cause unusual symptoms. Make sure your low beams are functioning correctly as part of a general electrical system check. Owners mention low beams, fuse, tpms, and alternator belt being potential sources of problems.

Parts and Tools Needed

• OBD-II Scanner
• Socket Set
• Wrench Set
• Screwdrivers
• New Fuel Injectors (if needed)
• Replacement Gaskets (valve cover, oil pan, head gasket)
• Coolant
• Oil
• Head Gasket Kit (if needed)
• Torque Wrench

Real Owner Costs

The costs to fix smoke issues can vary widely depending on the root cause and whether you opt for DIY or professional repair.

• DIY Oil Leak Repair: Replacing a valve cover gasket might cost around $20-$50 for the gasket and a few hours of your time.

• DIY Fuel Injector Replacement: A new fuel injector can range from $50-$200 per injector. Replacing them yourself can save on labor costs, but requires some mechanical skill.

• Professional Head Gasket Replacement: This is a labor-intensive job, typically costing between $1500-$4000, depending on the shop's labor rates and the extent of the damage. As one owner shared, "I refuse to put 4,000$ into a repair and I refuse to trade it in and someone else gets screwed over again I also had extended warranty and wouldn’t you know they want a deductible of $1,500 which o don’t have laying around with today’s economy." (source)

• Professional Diagnosis: A diagnostic test at a mechanic shop usually costs between $75-$150.

Prevention

Preventing smoke issues in your truck involves regular maintenance and careful attention to any early warning signs.

• Regular Oil Changes: Keep up with scheduled oil changes to prevent oil sludge buildup, which can lead to leaks and burning oil.

• Check Fluid Levels: Regularly check and maintain proper coolant and oil levels. Low levels can indicate leaks or other issues.

• Monitor Engine Performance: Pay attention to any changes in engine performance, such as rough idling or unusual noises.

• Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any symptoms, such as a check engine light or fluid leaks, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from HONDA owners:

Owner Experiences

"I made a page dedicated to my current honda projects my 2018 accord 2.0, 95 del sol si and a 92 eg hatch that im trying to work on simultaneously @hondamuju on IG." — mujthahid (source)

"I bought my first Honda in February of this year. A 2018 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T." — Ok-Error7063 (source)

"Should I buy a high mileage 2.0t? Ive been looking for accord 2.0s for quite a while couldn't find anything special but I found this 2018 2.0t listed for 15800usd but the catch is it has 213,000km (133k m)." — NoUnderstanding2773 (213,000 miles) (source)

Real Repair Costs

"I refuse to put 4,000$ into a repair and I refuse to trade it in and someone else gets screwed over again I also had extended warranty and wouldn’t you know they want a deductible of $1,500 which o don’t have laying around with today’s economy." — UndeadGOATX (source)

"I started looking at used vehicles as one of the kids is approaching driving age. Found this 2.0T at a local Honda dealer (sorry, I blurred the location to avoid someone jumping in front of me), but it has 96k miles for $13,950." — Dude_tricities_45 (source)

"Found this 2.0T at a local Honda dealer (sorry, I blurred the location to avoid someone jumping in front of me), but it has 96k miles for $13,950. Clean title, no accidents." — Dude_tricities_45 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a head gasket issue?

A: Replacing a head gasket is a labor-intensive job that can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the mechanic's experience and the complexity of the engine.

Q: Can I drive with a smoke issue?

A: It depends on the severity and cause of the smoke. If it's a minor oil leak, you might be able to drive short distances, but it's not recommended. If the smoke is white and billowing, indicating a head gasket issue, it's best to avoid driving to prevent further engine damage.

Q: Is this a common issue on the vehicle?

A: While not universally common, certain engine configurations in the 2018 Honda Accord have been known to experience head gasket issues, according to owner reports.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: For simple tasks like replacing a valve cover gasket or fuel injector, DIY is feasible if you have mechanical experience. However, for more complex jobs like head gasket replacement, it's best to consult a professional mechanic. As one owner shared, dealing with these issues can be complicated.