This is a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. During this cold spell, while using the heater, I smell inside the car, what smells like antifreeze. I cannot swear that it is antifreeze, it just smells like it. This has been true for about six weeks. However, I am NOT losing any coolant. I have also checked under the hood, dash, etc, and I don't see any signs of leaking. Even if there were a leak that I cannot see, I would think that my coolant level would go down some after all this time.
don't see any signs of leaking. Even if there were
Look real close at the heater hoses where they connect to the block. And check for any pinholes. (generally you have to wait till the engine is up to temperature and the system has pressure.
A little leak pissing on the engine block will give you that smell. And it won't drop enough (initially) to be noticable.
Yes you are, you just don't notice it yet. Heater core is leaking, I've had some good luck with Bars Leak, and the GM tabs, both of which can give a year or more life to the core.
I don't believe it. I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and have the same exact problem. Also, now the heat on the passenger side doesn't work. the defroster on that side doesn't work either. I am sure it is all connected.
I have heard this is a common problem with this model and years. My son's friend had to have new heater core put in his Jeep at a tune of $900.00
my business is still sucking during this recovery, dud, so can not afford a big out lay of money right now. I have looked in the manual but can't really tell where to begin to get to the heater core. Also, was wondering whether some rad leak stop would seal it for awhile, but still have the problem with a heater vent or something not opening to the passenger side. Could it be in the switch as opposed to a mechanical problem.
I have to tell you, I am not happy with this car, every six months or so we are dropping 700.00 to 1200.00 into it. Every time I get it fixed I want to sell it but the old lady resist letting me sell it.
Any advise regarding the jeep would be greatly appreciated, don't need advise with the other problem, have more time in with the old lady than the jeep.
Without a/c, it's fairly simple but tedious. With a/c, you got a real project on your hands. One simple test (altho your sympthoms don't leave much doubt) is to go to Harbor Freight or other tool shop and buy a simple radiator tester. That will pump up pressure on the system and you can watch to see if it leaks down - be sure to do this cold or temp changes will skew the readings. As for the vents opening, check for a vacuum leak. I was able to reach the plastic arm that controls the flappers on my old clunker to replace it when it broke but the old translation of JEEP is still "Just Empty Every Pocket".
BTW, I've had to replace heater cores on vehicles after 5 years. Changing the coolant every couple of years is the cheap preventative as old fluid gets pretty darned acidic.
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