Coolant leak in radiator?

100,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BILLYNOMATESS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
For a while now, I’ve had a slight coolant smell when the heat is on, and I was slowly losing coolant. No mechanic could find the leak under a pressure test, and I eventually tried UV dye. I believed I traced it back to this location in the picture. What do you take of this?
Apr 21, 2025 at 11:48 PM
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CANNON1349
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 861 POSTS
Hello,

I cannot make out exactly what the picture shows however if you see that the dye is mostly around where the plastic part of the radiator meets the metal grill, then yes, the radiator may be leaking slowly. I will attach the instructions on how to replace it below with pictures. Take note, the A/C condenser will have to be removed so the vehicle will have to be taken to a shop to properly evacuate the freon before attempting the repair.

Please let us know how it turns out,
William
Apr 22, 2025 at 9:27 AM
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