HEATER CORE! HELP!

Tiny
J.P.
  • MEMBER
  • KIA
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! My 2000 Kia Sportage suddenly developed a lovely anti-freeze smell once I turn the heat on. Is this a sign of the heater core going out? If so, must I tare apart the dash for this or will it be in an easier location? There isn't any anti-freeze in the cabin (At least not yet) Can anyone please help me with this please? Thank you in advance.
Monday, January 1st, 2007 AT 6:41 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
MIKEYBDMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 623 POSTS
Anti-freeze smell inside the car is a good sign of a leak with the heater core. Most newer cars have a drain so the fluid does not run in your floor board, it drains out the bottom of your car. When the leak gets bad enough, your windows will stay fogged up and it will be hard to keep them clear.
Im also affraid that not only will you have to tear apart the dash, you are going to have to have your A/C system recovered and store your freon for when you get the car back together. Some things on cars are not fun, and this one will fall into that catagory.
Be sure you make sure your not just venting in smells from an outside leak before you tear it all apart.
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Monday, January 1st, 2007 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
J.P.
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Thank you Mike for your input. I was afraid it was going to be bad. I'm not sure if I should do it myself or have someone do it due to the fact I don't have a garage anymore. Would you know more or less what I should be charged for his job? I once heard that $1500 for a Mustang was charged. Close?
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Monday, January 1st, 2007 AT 7:54 PM

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