03 Trailblazer - Maple syrup smell in pass. Compartment

MSHLM635

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER

I have a 2003 Chev Trailblazer that has 90K miles (4.2L V6) which we purchased from my father-in-law. From the first week we had it there was a sweet smell in the passenger compartment (smells like maple syrup). I thought it was because my in-laws always kept candy in the middle console, but we removed it and then I cleaned and conditioned the leather seats and the carpets thinking that maybe the smell was from that. To no avail, it still smells like maple syrup. I have checked online for any help and it always points to a bad heater core. We took it to our mechanic guy, but he has checked everything to see if there is an antifreeze leak anywhere and cannot find anything. There are no telltale signs (i.E, puddles, steam on windshield, film on window, etc.) Anywhere. Can you give me any idea as to why it would smell like there is an antifreeze leak somewhere and we cannot visibly see anything? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am getting sick of that smell when I drive the vehicle.

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Hard to say what is happening. One thought I have is there is a seapage of antifreeze that is running onto the exhasut manifold and burning off releasing the smell that is getting into the vents. It may be so subtle that the coolant reservior is barely showing a change. There are disinfectants and de-odorizing kits available to help clear the air passageways.
Call the dealer with a VIN number and ask them if yours has a cabin air filter.I don't thin it does but not sure. IF so change it.