2009 xc90 3.2 r design awd slight antifreeze smell in cabin

chefmarkt69 · Post by **chefmarkt69** » 22 Dec 2019, 18:31

Hello, I have been wondering as of this winter when I turned the heat on. I smelled a very slight smell of antifreeze in the cabin of the car. The heat works great, I checked my anti freeze level and it was low. I add more antifreeze but I do not see any leaking on the ground. I put down cardboard box on the ground to double check but still none.Does anyone know what this might be? Thank you

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 22 Dec 2019, 22:29

Could be a leaking heater core. Does the inside of the windshield fog up easily or have a residue on it? It does not take much of a leak so you most likely will not find antifreeze in the floor well.

Post by **oragex** » 23 Dec 2019, 03:31

As above, look with a flash light under the dash, drv side, look where the two alu pipes are entering the heater, perhaps the two o-rings are leaking

chefmarkt69 · Post by **chefmarkt69** » 25 Dec 2019, 19:05

Thank you both, I did not see and residue and or leaking fluid.

chefmarkt69 · Post by **chefmarkt69** » 25 Dec 2019, 19:07

It doesn’t do it all the time, like this week I have not had to add any antifreeze.

Post by **oragex** » 26 Dec 2019, 04:09

Have a look at the water pump. These are known to fail on the 3.2. The pump has a hole to check for leaks. Use onlu quality brands if replacing it - such as Aisin. May replace the thermostat while there. For the antifreeze, I recommend Volvo concentrate+distilled water. Also look under the coolant tank, see if there are traces - disconnect the level sensor before lifting it. May also look at the top of the radiator for any leaks