Hello, all.
I have a 1997 Grand Am SE, and from some non-make-specific research I've done I think I may be having a heater core problem ... only mine doesn't show some of the common symptoms.
I get that maple-syrup coolant smell when I use the heater/defroster. It is also very prevalent when I am outside the car after use, whether I've used the heating system or not. And my coolant needs replacing more often than it should.
However, I don't smell it inside the car when I use the A/C, nor is there any film on my windshield or dripping/leakage on the passenger-side floormats. And I have yet to notice any substantial amounts of pooled liquid in my parking space.
There have also been a few occasions where some smoke/steam was seeping through the upper-left crack of my hood door, although that hasn't happened for months and is likely(?) unrelated.
Could it just be some relatively minor leak somewhere, instead of a heating core problem? Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated immensely. Thank you.
DD