Coolant smell in compartment - not leaking anything
 

2000 XC70, strong coolant smell coming from the vents. Obviously gets stronger when I kick on the heat, but the funny thing is it's not leaking anything - anywhere. I had a small problem where the return hose into the reservoir was old, stiff, and not sealing properly, so I had coolant seeping back out, and down the side of the engine compartment. I fixed that, but the coolant smell is awful. I'm guessing I have coolant puddled up somewhere, but I can't figure out where. I've changed the cabin air filter for kicks, had the heater core checked...


No leaks, still smells like it is. Any ideas?

RE: Coolant smell in compartment - not leaking anything
 

Are you sure the heater core isn't leaking?

RE: Coolant smell in compartment - not leaking anything
 

Positive. Coolant level hasn't dropped in days, pulled back the carpet - no coolant leaking/leaked... no signs of it leaking. Had it physically checked by a radiator guy, said there was nothing wrong with it, suggested changing the cabin air filter, said it might be puddled up somewhere. I'm stumped.

RE: Coolant smell in compartment - not leaking anything
 

Did he remove the heater core and inspect it?

If not it still might be that. You can smell it for a long time before you see if leaking inside the car.

RE: Coolant smell in compartment - not leaking anything
 

I agree. I have seen it on occasion. Bottom line is the coolant smell has to be coming from somewhere. The only other thought I can think of might be a loose/ bad sealing coolant reservoir cap. The smell could be drawn in by the fresh air vent. OF course if the cap was loose you might have an overheating issue lurking