Anti Freeze smell inside car
08-26-2007, 08:52 AM
#1
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Anti Freeze smell inside car
Driving this afternoon I noticed a smell of anti freeze - even with the roof down. Thinking it must be from somewhere else I continued my journey but checked everything I could when I stopped - no signs of any leaks or loss of coolant + there was no dampness on the inside of the car. Temp gauge at normal level. Car running fine and no odd noises.
Coming home a bit later I noticed the same smell. I put the roof up when home and 10 minutes later went out to the car. The smell of anti freeze inside was quite strong!
The only thing running other than the engine was the aircon to my feet ..... don't know if that can go wrong and create a smell like antifreeze .... ?
I checked everything again - still no signs. Playing safe I called the AA and he confirmed a strong smell of antifreeze when he opened the car door .... but couldn't find the source of that smell anywhere. All pipes and levels were OK.
Has anyone had anything similar or have any ideas ????
Coming home a bit later I noticed the same smell. I put the roof up when home and 10 minutes later went out to the car. The smell of anti freeze inside was quite strong!
The only thing running other than the engine was the aircon to my feet ..... don't know if that can go wrong and create a smell like antifreeze .... ?
I checked everything again - still no signs. Playing safe I called the AA and he confirmed a strong smell of antifreeze when he opened the car door .... but couldn't find the source of that smell anywhere. All pipes and levels were OK.
Has anyone had anything similar or have any ideas ????
08-26-2007, 09:59 AM
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It's not just "smelly" aircon, when bacteria builds up and starts to ming?
That can normally be solved by running the heating at full reheat with AC on to kill the beasties.
Worth a try first, as my aircon "smell" when it happens is a bit "chemical".
That can normally be solved by running the heating at full reheat with AC on to kill the beasties.
Worth a try first, as my aircon "smell" when it happens is a bit "chemical".
08-26-2007, 11:12 AM
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First thing to change is the pollen filter then get an aircon bacteria killer, these are like a gas canister, pull pin, throw in the car, slam door shut, wait two hours and all the germs are dead. If it still persists to smell unfortunately its a b.stud of a job, could be the pipe attached to the heater matrix or the matrix itself. Go 2nd hand on this one though.
Lloyd
Lloyd
08-26-2007, 11:15 AM
#6
It may just be staleness in the a/c, but if there is a lingering sweet smell of anti-freeze, I'm afraid your heater matrix is most likely f cuked.
I'd keep an eye on the coolant level in the rad, not just teh expansion tank.
I'd keep an eye on the coolant level in the rad, not just teh expansion tank.
08-26-2007, 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Nick Graves,Aug 26 2007, 11:15 AM
It may just be staleness in the a/c, but if there is a lingering sweet smell of anti-freeze, I'm afraid your heater matrix is most likely f cuked.
I'd keep an eye on the coolant level in the rad, not just teh expansion tank.
I'd keep an eye on the coolant level in the rad, not just teh expansion tank.
S2000 has an alloy engine, without coolant its **BANG** 
Keep your eye on that water.
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08-26-2007, 02:43 PM
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My partner had the same smell in her Freelander, turned out to be a leaky heater matrix but only found out after she let the coolant run dry, blew the head gasket warped the cylinder head - BIG BILL!!
08-27-2007, 02:15 AM
#10
Thread Starter
Thanks for the replies .....
Yes, definitely anti freeze and not washer fluid or general 'aircon' smell.
The AA man says drive it with caution - which to me means just book it in asap and get the dealer to sort it.
I'll let the dealer have it as soon as I can - guess the next problem will be when they can look at it as I'm off on holiday soon but would like it sorted before I go (though I won't be using the car).
Annoying I can't use the car on a Bank Holiday and the sun is finally out
Yes, definitely anti freeze and not washer fluid or general 'aircon' smell.
The AA man says drive it with caution - which to me means just book it in asap and get the dealer to sort it.
I'll let the dealer have it as soon as I can - guess the next problem will be when they can look at it as I'm off on holiday soon but would like it sorted before I go (though I won't be using the car).
Annoying I can't use the car on a Bank Holiday and the sun is finally out