Coolant Smell in Cabin Heat on Vents Open only

washdup · Post by **washdup** » 06 May 2012, 08:03

First of all, I replaced the heater core about two years ago after getting a strong coolant odor and fogging windows. Ever since, there is still a coolant odor, but only when set to Heat, only when the dash vents are in the open position, and only for around 15 seconds before going away. I checked the connections at the firewall and they are dry and there is no coolant puddled or dripping anywhere in the cabin near the core.

Post by **jblackburn** » 06 May 2012, 08:36

Probably just residual crap in the ducting down there. Did you wipe the housing and stuff out when you installed the new one? If not, that's not too hard to do with it still in.

washdup · Post by **washdup** » 06 May 2012, 08:51

jblackburn wrote:Probably just residual crap in the ducting down there. Did you wipe the housing and stuff out when you installed the new one? If not, that's not too hard to do with it still in.

I don't remember specifically. There was not a lot of leakage out of the old unit, but it did look shot. Is the ducting you refer to located in the same area behind the dash?

Post by **jblackburn** » 06 May 2012, 08:54

Yeah. That white enclosure thing around it.

washdup · Post by **washdup** » 06 May 2012, 16:32

Ok, thanks. Are the ducts that might have residual coolant in them accessible without removing the core?

washdup · Post by **washdup** » 14 May 2012, 07:43

Turns out it was leakage coming from the lower radiator hose where it connects at the engine was causing the odor inside the cabin with CCM in open position. Thanks.

Amys 940 · Post by **Amys 940** » 15 Jul 2012, 22:20

Hi, I'm having the same problem. I'm experiencing full pressure an no coolant loss. No leak residue or wetness but still have the smell when heat is turned on. I was wondering about your repair. How was a leak in the engine compartment causing a smell in the cabin? Just wanted to know before I start the heater core operation. How long should a heater core take to install? Thanks for the info:)