2001 Pontiac Montana, lost AC and now smell coolant.

Aug 29, 2004 1 Replies

Hi All,



I have a 2001 Montana with 69K on it. 3400 V6.



I noticed in the past couple of weeks that a smoke like vapor was blowing out of the ac vents, but it was perfectly cool.



In the last couple of days, I have had no AC, yet the compressor fires up fine, all vent doors move, etc.



I also now have a coolant smell. When I look under the front passenger bumper area of the van, I see what looks like dried coolant stains at the base of the radiator on the chasis of the car. I would then assume, perhaps the radiator is leaking, but don't actually see any wetness. I have once or twice seen coolant on the ground in the same area, but rarely.



The car does not run hot. But I am wondering if I have two problems or if the lack of coolness from the ac is related. Any thoughts appreciated!



Mike


The condensors on these vehicles are known to split open and leak all the freon out. What you might be seeing is not coolant but the oil and dye that is in the A/C system. It will look green. We send out at least a couple of condensors a week to get repaired. There is a fix for the problem too, so that it wont happen again. As far as the coolant smell, you could also be getting an intake gasket coolant leak which is also common on these vans.

Ian

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