Anyone else smelling coolant?

[Plainolmoo]

A couple of times I've smelled coolant in and around the vehicle after a drive. I thought it was just my imagination or another vehicle because it was just a whiff both times. But last night I was in a closed garage and smelled it. Looked under the hood and there was no leak or steam trickle to be found. This morning I saw a post in one of the Facebook groups where someone else smelled coolant. This makes me nervous. Anyone else? I have 1800 miles btw. GT2 AWD.

 

[KEJ]

I've smelled it too. Not all the time, and no visible signs of leaks.

 

[Chris]

Smell the exhaust. Does it smell like coolant? Bad head gasket would explain the coolant smell, and the couple of people that reported detonation and the spark plugs shattering.

 

[Kazz]

This MAY be normal.

I assume the Stinger's cooling system is like other vehicles'. It's designed to vent fluid when it feels it's necessary. Check your coolant level according to the procedure in the owner's manual. Keep in mind that may be looking at the overflow container (assuming their is one) and that the level will be different depending on whether the car is warmed up or not.

 

[mldavis2]

I agree with @Kazz's post here. In today's cars there is a coolant overflow tank, not just a pressurized cooling system. As the coolant temperature varies from cold to warm and back again -- normal thermal cycling -- the level of coolant in the unpressurized overflow tank changes or "breathes." The caps on these unpressurized tanks are vented to the atmosphere to allow for that expansion and contraction and it is not unusual to smell the odor of antifreeze when you park the car, especially in a closed garage.

If you smell the odor inside the car with the heater running, not outside, it could be a loose heater core hose and should be checked and tightened.

 

[Merkur720]

I've smelled it too. Not all the time, and no visible signs of leaks.

Same here. Happening less it seems. On the list of questions for first service.

 

[Merkur720]

While on the topic of cooling, does it seem odd the engine cooling fans are running at high speed when its cold outside? Anyone else notice this pulling into their garage?!?

It doesn’t happen all the time and it cycles on and off. If I idle in garage for 30 seconds it cycles off etc. Turning off climate control always kills the fan too. I’m coming from a hybrid where the engine cooling fans would only come on high (louder) speeds during warm/hot weather and when the AC was on full power.

Just surprised in cold weather AND driving it easy.

 

[mldavis2]

I don't have my Stinger yet, but is there a cooling fan on the intercooler that might be running? Probably not if it shuts off with the climate control, but it's something to look at.

 

[Plainolmoo]

I understand the coolant overflow but I've owned plenty of cars and every time I've ever smelled that sweet smell is when I've had a coolant leak. With this being a new car and all, it might just be the fear of the unknown that's the most concerning. It's like the new mom rushing her newborn to the ER everytime it gets a fever. Lol

 

[Kazz]

Keep an eye on your temp gauge and check the overflow container. It's the only way to know if your cooling system is compromised at this point.

 

[dyers78]

Mine smells like coolant. Has 208 miles so I’m gonna watch it and see what, if anything, develops.

 

[Bryan3.3]

You have a problem if you hear any water movement in the car. Best analogy is if you have a half full water bottle and tilt it from side to side. This is best heard with the radio off and just at idle as it is a quiet sound. I am learning there has been some issues with the electronic thermostat not opening and closing properly. This has also caused some cars to overheat.

 

[Plainolmoo]

I Suppose I should update this thread. I passed 3000 miles on my Stinger today and had forgotten about the smell (and this thread). I never smelled it again after the few times that prompted this post, so I assume it was an overflow of the topped off or slightly over-filled coolant from the factory.

 

[Dspec 1]

Okay. I am at 3000 kil9metres and smell coolant each time I drive with a bit of spirit. Not full on throttle but rather a good clip. I am concerned about this...

 

[jwhollan]

Did anything ever come of this for anybody? I'm also smelling coolant after longer drives (20-30 min or longer). The temp gauge seems normal and I'm finding no leaks but I cant help but get a little nervous about it. My car has a little under 2k miles on it.

 

[mldavis2]

I would check the coolant overflow container and see if that level is slowly going down. Always check it when cold otherwise you get thermal expansion errors. If there is no coolant under the car, I wouldn't worry about it if the level stays even. My '05 GTO smells like coolant after sitting for a day or two and has for 13 years. Must be from normal expansion/contraction of coolant level in the overflow tank, but I'd mention it to the Kia service department when you take it in for something else or an oil change.

 

[Merkur720]

I have 2k on mine and the smell has greatly diminished. Levels and gauges all look fine. I’ll mention at the 5k service.

 

[mldavis2]

Someone came up with a tech bulletin for 2.0L turbos with a slight leak at the transmission oil warmer fitting. Nothing about the 3.3TT.

 

[Dspec 1]

Thanks for the great communication on this one. I am going mention it during the first oil change.

 

[OGPackin]

I thought i was going crazy! I smell coolant as well but only when the AC vents are opened and not when the cabin air is being recycled.