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?

 

Are you sure the heater core isn't leaking?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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