I have a 2011 Ranger Sport 4.0L. When I first got the truck the coolant level went down about 1 1/2". I assumed this was from an air bubble. I filled up the tank and have noticed no more level changes. Occasionally I get a faint spell of Coolant. There are no visable leaks and the coolant level has not gone down. Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be causing this faint smell of coolant? TIA

 

Check your carpet on the passenger footwell, heater core might be going.

Josh

 

No carpet. Truck has 1400 miles.

 

Is the coolant smell in the cab or outside after you park it?

Josh

 

Damn that's a new truck! Take it back to the dealer.....that's what warrantys are for...I wish my 98' ranger still had one they would be in trouble....lol

 

I recall catching the occassional wiff of coolant when my 2000 was brand new. I would catch a wiff from time-to-time but I never detected a leak or consumption by the engine. Very odd. I remain cautious when I catch the smell given past experiences (puddles of coolant on the carpet and sticky windshields), but so-far-so-good.

I'm wondering if this is a somewhat common experience or not. I did do a Search on this a while back, and found the usual suspects regarding bad heater cores and such, but nothing as benign as this.

Kevin

 

I am going to bring it to the Dealer and they are going to do a pressure check.

Rackster; That is exactly what I am talking about.

If there was a leak into the engine I doubt I would smell it and there would be other symptoms. I have checked every hose and as much of the heater as I can get to. If it had been leaking into the cab, it seems to me that I would smell it all the time not occasionally like Rackster said.

 

My 2004 Nissan Maxima occasionally has a coolant smell outside with no leaks

Josh

 

I am beginning to wonder if it is when the Radiator Cap allows Coolant to pass to and from the Reservoir.

 

I did notice that when I flushed my system the last time that I saw a tiny spouting stream of water coming out the top of the coolant cover on the reservoir (flooded during flushing). I never noticed that before, but when I checked, it was a formed thru-hole and not a pinhole from something inadvertent. I'm wondering if that little hole is just enough to vent coolant odors once hot coolant enters the reservoir. As I think about it, the smell does seem to be coming from that general area, however, I never did isolate it to the reservoir. The next time I catch a wiff, I'll pop the hood and have a look (smell).

Kevin

PS I'd be curious to hear your results and whether the dealer has ever had a question/comment or two about this phenomenon.

 

Josh - were you able to localize the coolant smell (i.e. was it coming from the reservoir area)? Flytyer may be on to something - Kevin