Coolant Smell only when running heat

[Stev3FrencH]

Hey guys new to the forums,

Got my 1.4L sedan about a month ago. Getting a coolant (sweet) smell from the vents but only when running the heat. I wanna know if anyone else has experienced this. I see a ton of threads about this problem for the Cruze and so far doesnt seem like anyone knows where the smell is coming from. I had the dealer look it over when i had the oil changed at 1600 miles and they dont see anything leaking and told me to just drive it, (yeah ok...). Is anyone else having this problem? It seems very similar to the problems the Cruze has, not just 1.4L specific either. Also a side note, it doesnt appear to have any coolant leaking because the levels have stayed the same. (dealer told me the same thing after they checked it too).

Thanks guys,

Stev3 FrencH

 

[omniman]

1.8 hatch i also noticed a smell with the heat. Not smelling it with the ac on. Coolant level ok dosent smell like coolant but does have a chemical smell.Possible the plastic heating up.

 

[Stev3FrencH]

No one else? I have been running the air lately because it has finally warmed up here around Michigan and I don't get any smell at all. Just when running the heat. Its the weirdest thing because I am not loosing any coolant or finding any leaks.

 

[jdvrider]

Same issue here

Month old Sonic sedan turbo, I've noticed a strong coolant smell in the morning when I have defrost or the heat on. Kinda disappointed since I waited several months to get the exact car I wanted and now I'm going to have to deal with this issue.

Checked out the Cruze forums as mentioned, they've got a 26 page thread about it so far and nobody has had any good results. It sounds like GM is aware of the problem and working on it, and some people have already had their cars sold back to the dealer under lemon laws after unsuccessful repairs.

Antifreeze Smell Thread

Sounds like taking it in, documenting everything and opening a case with GM if the issue is not resolved is the way to go. I really don't want to take my car in and have the dealer start tearing it apart to try and find a problem they don't have an answer to. I'd be more concerned about it causing other problems down the road, or new rattles and vibrations from stuff being pulled apart and put back together.

 

[Stev3FrencH]

I completely agree, I havent taken it in yet because I dont want more problems to arise from them trying to figure it out. I am not sure if I am having coolant loss or not, but it does appear to be lower or getting lower. I checked the engine oil, smelled the exhaust (no smoke either) and took a whiff of the dip stick and luckily no smell there so I dont believe its a head gasket or getting into the engine, has to be a leak or something related to the heater-core. Its just frusterating like you said, I love this car coming from an Accord. Luckily its the summer and running the a/c and not the heat I dont smell it, but if its not fixed by winter time here in Michigan, I dont know if I want to drive around smelling coolant all day.

 

[Stev3FrencH]

Hey guys, anyone else notice this issue? I realize its been the hottest summer in the US on record, but up here in Michigan the mornings have been a tad chilly lately. Looks like the Cruze guys have a fix, just wondered if there was any news on this issue with the Sonic. Also, no coolant leaking at 5300mi. Just as full as the day I started keeping tabs on it around 400 some miles.

Stev3FrencH

 

[SSpeckerwood]

I've never had this problem and I'm almost at 17,000 miles.

 

[Eric Smit]

I've never had this problem and I'm almost at 17,000 miles.

Ditto.


-Eric Smit

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hey guys, anyone else notice this issue? I realize its been the hottest summer in the US on record, but up here in Michigan the mornings have been a tad chilly lately. Looks like the Cruze guys have a fix, just wondered if there was any news on this issue with the Sonic. Also, no coolant leaking at 5300mi. Just as full as the day I started keeping tabs on it around 400 some miles.

Stev3FrencH

Hi Stev3FrencH,

I'm sorry to hear you're still having this issue with the coolant smell. I have documented your concern and the others that are experiencing this issue. If you would like for me to establish a case, I would be glad to do so. Please private message me the last 8 digits of your VIN#, full name, address, contact phone number, and current mileage. I will post any information regarding this issue as it becomes available.

Are you planning on taking your car into the dealership to have it checked?

Have a great weekend!

Vanessa
GM Customer Service

 

[jim_de_hunter]

A hundred years ago you could be sealer that you put into the coolant. It was supposed to seal leaks in the cooling system. I never had a lot of luck with it but the world's first nuclear powered submarine, the Nautilus, I think, used it to seal a leak in primary system according to a book I read. With the chemical advances in coolant, sealer of this type may not be available anymore, may void the warranty, and may plug passages that need to stay open.

 

[lambertsonic]

It most likely a heater core

 

[Eric Smit]

Hopefully it isn't a problem for too long.


-Eric Smit

 

[Stev3FrencH]

Yes I am planning on having it checked out again, already had them look it over in May, I just don't want them to take out the heater core if that really isn't the problem. I assumed if it was the heater core that I would be losing coolant, is that correct? But after 4k miles, the levels have been the same. (Made a mark on the tank with a sharpie to keep track) Also, this is just me being careful about giving out information, but is it safe for me to send my information to the Customer Service poster? First time I've received a response from someone saying they are part of GM Customer Service.

Thanks for all your responses

Stev3FrencH

 

[TurboSonicLT]

Just replaced my heater core in my 1988 mustang lx for the same problem, except my smell was very strong, windows steamed up fast and a dampness to my passenger side carpet. (Common signs for a fox body mustang.)

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Yes I am planning on having it checked out again, already had them look it over in May, I just don't want them to take out the heater core if that really isn't the problem. I assumed if it was the heater core that I would be losing coolant, is that correct? But after 4k miles, the levels have been the same. (Made a mark on the tank with a sharpie to keep track) Also, this is just me being careful about giving out information, but is it safe for me to send my information to the Customer Service poster? First time I've received a response from someone saying they are part of GM Customer Service.

Thanks for all your responses

Stev3FrencH

Hi Stev3FrencH,

Are you still getting the coolant sweet smell when running the heater? If you like me to schedule an service appointment at your dealership, please private message me your information. If you're already scheduled for service, let me know what they find.

Thank you,
Vanessa
GM Customer Service

 

[Stev3FrencH]

Scheduled an appointment for tomorrow. Car is getting looked over Wednesday so I'll report on what they tell me. Thanks for all the responses everyone.

Stev3FrencH

 

[Eric Smit]

Good luck. Looking forward to the aftermath.


-Eric Smit

 

[Stev3FrencH]

Well, dealer doesn't see a leak, so they are gonna run a pressure check on the cooling system. If it is the heater core, i'll be without a car for a while as the dealer told me they don't have any parts for my Sonic. What I don't get is how the heater core could be leaking but I have measured no coolant loss. Anyone have any idea?

Thanks,
Stev3FrencH

 

[SSpeckerwood]

Any chance that coolant has been spilled somewhere and you may be smelling its residue?

 

[Stev3FrencH]

None what so ever. Its been making the smell since the day I bought it. I originally contributed it to new car smell. But after the new car smell dissipated, it smelled like coolant. So if it spilled, it was at the factory.