Hey guys, what's up?
For the past few days, I've been smelling coolant through my a/c vents when I have the a/c on w/the outside air. When I go outside the car, I don't smell it nor I smell it when I pop the hood. I checked all the hoses and there all in great shape. I figured there would be something leaking near the firewall but the heater hoses going into the firewall are also in great shape.

After a few days of noticing this smell, I check my fluids. Radiator was topped off but the coolant in the reservoir tank was a little above the "min" line. I filled it back up 2 days ago and I checked the tank again and the coolant in there hasn't moved.
Now for today, I didn't smell it this morning or afternoon but I smelled it tonight when I had my a/c on & again the coolant in the tank hasn't moved. What the hell is going on?

I've had bad experiences with my previous car with coolant leaks and I've had my share of getting stuck on the side of the road. I want to fix this problem before it escalates.
BTW, temp. needle stays normal.
I know it can't be the air cabin filter b/c it specifically smells like coolant. From past experiences, I know very well what coolant smells like.

Any help would greatly be appreciated.
-mo

 

I had a similar problem with a different car. The heater core eventually started leaking though. I found out that a poorly grounded stereo/amplifier will rot out a heater core pretty quick in some cars. ...no idea if this is your issue, but it sounds like one of mine. Good luck.

 

poorly grounded amp will cause a heater core to rot out? wow. Did not know this. I have an aftermarket amp but I'm almost sure it's grounded pretty well. In my case though, I don't think it's the heater core b/c I would be smelling it more often since it is inside the car. So far no change in the tank.

 

You mentioned that you smelt it when the AC is on. Have you check your cabin filter? WHen did you last change it?

I left an Armorall all purpose cleaner in the car for a couple of days, now I smell ammonia every time I turn on the AC. Need to get my cabin filter change.

 

Keep your eye on your coolant level when cold and on a level ground. That is a good place to start to be sure it is coolant that you smell.

 

I'm having the same coolant issue with my G. Did you ever find out what the deal was?
I suspect the radiator is bad. They are a 3 peice radiator. plastic top and bottom with an aluminum core. I suspect the seams..

 

If you smell coolant (and it's not on your shoes) you have a leak. It might not be enough to show over a few days in the reservoir, but you have a leak. If you don't smell it in the engine compartment - the leak isn't there. This isn't rocket science, if you smell coolant, there must be coolant.