2005 Hyundai

KAT1128

MEMBER
2005 HYUNDAI ACCENT
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
61,000 MILES

I have a 2005 Hyundai for a few years now. I never had any problems with this car until the past 6 months. There is a smell of antifreeze, when the car warms up. I had the radiator, thermostat, and a couple belts replaced, to no avail, the smell is still there. A friend of mine, who owns a bodyshop, told me that I might have to have only Hyundai antifreeze because on a few of the cars he's done he found out that if he uses something else it smells. I am not sure about that because why would it only start now, I've had the car for 3 years? Have you ever come across this problem before, if so maybe you can give me some insight? The smell makes me ill and I'm at my witts ends.

Thanks!
Karen

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Check the coolant level, if it is depleting, there should be a leakage somewhere. The leakage could be minimal and and not easily noticeable.

Have a visual inspection of hose joints, when coolant seeps from joints it is going to emit the sweet smell when engine heats up.

Get a pressure test done to locate source of leak.

If no leakages are found, get the engine cleaned as coolant can remain for quite some time due to its sticky properties. It could be residues from the repair job.