After driving for an extended period there is a strong coolant smell. It doesnt seem to be using or losing any so im wondering if the smell is even a problem.

You need to look around and find where it'* coming from.

Does this happen after you shut off the car? Particularly if you walk in front of the car?

My 99 does that too. Still haven't found the issue. My coolant system 150% leak-free. Plus, I have a newer heater core. :?

I have never tried keeping the car running and yes the smell is stronger in the front. There is no leak anywhere that i have found (no puddles anyways) and it does not seem to be effecting anything, it just stinks. Just wondering if it is a more serious problem than it seems.

I would guess maybe it has something to do with the overflow bottle and the open vent in the cap. Just a thought. Maybe someone can confirm or deny that?

Guys, your throttle body gaskets are starting to leak.


After you drive the car to normal operating temperature, take off the egnine cover, get a flashlight, and check to see if there is coolant dripping from the bottom of the throttle body onto the transmission housing, where it evaporates.

The leak currently is not big enough to notice in the coolant bottle but enough to smell.

If so, it'* an easy 45 minute swap-out.

I'd agree with the possible overflow vent and checking the TB.

A TB won't leak enough most times to be obvious and can be hidden easliy from view by airboxes etc.

If the TB gasket is starting to leak, wouldn't that be an indication that the UIM may be beginning to fail? I am in the process of doing the UIM and I wish I had caught it earlier and not waited for it to start leaking.
Just my $.02
Tim

Not at all..the TB gasket is a seperate gasket with no relation to the UIM failure except that it'* located nearby.