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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Splashalot on 29 October 2021, 02:49

Title: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: Splashalot on 29 October 2021, 02:49

Edit: 2018 GTI, 33,000kms (20,000 miles) full dealer servicing.

Over the past month or so I've noticed an increasingly strong smell of coolant inside the cabin.  Not so much under the bonnet, though - just a slight whiff there.

My coolant tank level has remained unchanged.

I can't get under the car to check for leaks around the waterpump/thermostat due to a medical condition.

I've narrowed down the possible cause to either the dreaded thermostat housing leak or heater core (given the smell is mostly in the cabin).

I'm having the car briefly looked at by a trusted local VW specialist Monday, but if I want an in-depth analysis it's at least a 6 week wait.

So prior to Monday, I thought I'd ask if anyone else here has had these symptoms, and if so, what was the outcome.

Cheers.

Title: Re: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: Carbon VW on 29 October 2021, 08:14

Hi, going by your signature your car is a 2018 I would go with it possibly being the thermostat housing leaking rather than the heater at that age. As you say, once it’s up in the air and inspected it should be easily diagnosed. Good luck
Ps make sure they check the seal on the coolant bottle lid also.

Title: Re: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: madstaff on 29 October 2021, 08:32

Could be a leak in the engine bay, thermostat housing for example, and the coolant smell is being drawn into the heater and exhausted in the cabin giving the impression the heater matrix is leaking.

Title: Re: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: Finglonga on 29 October 2021, 11:23

I presume the carpets are not wet. Remember with coolant a slight weep will stink in in the cabin.

Title: Re: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: Splashalot on 31 October 2021, 05:07

Quote from: Finglonga on 29 October 2021, 11:23

I presume the carpets are not wet. Remember with coolant a slight weep will stink in in the cabin.

Yep, all carpets report for duty dry.

I post this reluctantly, but decided my public service duties outweigh any shame:  Just pulled the contents of the centre console compartment out, and found a slightly leaking bottle of hand santiser I'd long since forgotten about - which smells remarkably similar to engine coolant!   :grin: :wink: :rolleyes: :whistle:

I've thoroughly washed the console and sticky contents and leaving it all to dry with the windows down.  We'll see whether the smell is still there tomorrow. 

Boy, do I feel a bit of a Gumby....  But if I've found the cause it will be worth it.

Title: Re: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: Watts on 31 October 2021, 08:43

Not that bad. I left the coolant cap off mine and ended up at the side of the road with steam from under the bonnet....

Title: Re: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: Finglonga on 31 October 2021, 09:32

 :grin: :grin: :grin:Nice cheap fix. Makes a refreshing change.

Title: Re: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: Carbon VW on 31 October 2021, 14:36

 :whistle:

Title: Re: Strong smell of coolant in cabin
Post by: baka on 31 October 2021, 15:45

I'd call that a win, beats changing a heater matrix!