I have a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe with a 3.5L engine and 92,000 miles.For the past week or so, I have noticed a very slight smell of antifreeze/radiator fluid every once in a while. I assumed that it is a radiator hose leak or possibly a leak in the heater core. But, the vehicle does not overheat, there is no steam or fog inside that would indicate a possible heater core leak, and the radiator fluid level seemed full or almost full (although the radiator overflow container was empty). I added a little water to the radiator and filled the overflow container to make sure there was plenty of radiator fluid in the system.I haven't seen any radiator fluid on the ground around the vehicle at any time. When I open the hood, I don't see any leaking hoses. I took off the engine cover to see better, and I don't see any leak around the water pump, or dripping from the pump, or dripping from any hoses, etc. But, BELOW the water pump is something made of cast metal that I am guessing is the automatic transmission(?) -- I really don't know what it is. And, sitting in some valleys or crevices in that part are small pools of green fluid that clearly looks and smells like radiator fluid with antifreeze.I ran the vehicle for a long time while watching to see if I could create or see the leak or anything dripping etc. But I don't see anything other than those pools of green liquid just sitting there. I tried moving or wiggling the hoses, and nothing changed. I also tried keeping it running with the heat on high, then later with the AC on high -- still no change. Then I tried using paper towels and sopping up what I could that was in these valleys/crevices, then I drove it again (but only for about 4 miles so far) and I don't see any new fluid in the crevices or anywhere else.Here are 5 photos that I took with the engine cover off while the green fluid was still there. The photos go from a wider angle overall view down to a view of the green puddles from a slight angle and...

There sure are a lot of coolant transport pipes and gasketsright there. Go here and see: would put a pressure tester on the system.Thats the trans that is catching the coolant from above.It's not something to let go too long.

2004 Santa Fe leak source?

Apr 15, 2012 21 Replies

Rate this thread:

Mike 7 years ago

replying to TomR, Mike wrote: I just replaced my radiator in my 05 Santa Fe last night, I had seen the old congiled pools of old coolant in the same place. I will start here . Good read thanks guys

Vote

What the heckisit1245 7 years ago

replying to TomR, What the heckisit1245 wrote: My car has the same problem n I believe it?s that plug /wire I filled mine up with coolant n it was slowly comming out right at that ?plug / sensor or whatever it is I?m still trying to figure it out with the plug piece whatever use

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required