coolant smell

[cdelvey]

I've had the windshield fogging problem since I bought my truck a year and a half ago. Brought to the dealer a couple times with no answer or fix for the problem...only explanation was design flaw. Now the more recent problem of smelling coolant inside and out on the truck, have seen the steaming others mentioned too from the front right grill area. Dealer did the pressure test, dye with no results after I added a gallon of coolant to the front side of the reservoir. Now its down a couple inches, still nothing with the dye they added but now the smelled coolant too. They are saying its the heater core and have ordered one. I haven't seen coolant on the ground or had wet carpets under the matts. Is it a radiator problem or heater core? I'm not too happy about them pulling the entire dashboard out to replace it and the potential problems that may bring. The truck also has the driveline clunking, told that's normal too. I'm not sure if I should keep it or cut my losses for a 2015. Any thoughts out there?

[txhunter21]

I think theres a problem with the heater core and the radiator, they told me my radiator is fine but i think its bs because i still smell it and yes ive had nothing but problems with the dash since they pulled the entire thing. I've heard the 15's have fixed alot of these issues but who knows if i had the money id buy a 15 but thats just me.

[cdelvey]

My salesman and his manager are working some numbers for me....should hear something Monday. Myself and about 15 other people all use this same dealer and salesman and have been for many years. This is my third truck with him.

[txhunter21]

i bought my truck used cpo and it still had these problem which makes me question their whole "certified " bs, so if i was in your shoes I would buy new and make them give you a good deal for being patient and valued customer

[TX2MI2014]

Same here. Steam coming from the grill on the passenger side but I cannot see any visible leaks.

After the second attempt at the dealer for them to repair the problem, they now have found a "tiny" leak and will be replacing the radiator under warranty. The coolant smell was getting worse and on humid days there was visible steam coming from the front grill passenger side.

[MThompsonjr115]

My truck is currently having its radiator replaced do to the notorious passenger sides, upper rear, visible leak.

 

Truck has just under 36k miles and it was starting to leak more and more each day.

 

Coolant level when hot was approx. 1/2" below cold level indicated on expansion tank.

 

They've provided me a rental until it's completed, which is targeted for Thursday.

 

 

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[Jsb55]

Getting mine replaced tomorrow. Brought it in for the seat movement and mentioned a coolant smell and steam when damp out. Called me back up and said they found a small leak in radiator and would replace it.

[Delta Tango]

I just dropped my Sierra off at my local GM dealer for "coolant leak at passenger side of radiator area". Phew, nice to see I'm one of many. LOL. Mine seems to leak when cold. Mind you, that was the day after a big towing vacation with the travel trailer. Might have been residue after getting the unit hot?

I've had to add about 2 litres of Dexcool, straight (didn't know it was straight till it was too late-no room in surge tank for water now). I hope that doesn't promote "silicate drop out" now?

[Delta Tango]

Well, the replacement rad has been ordered. Let's hope it's an upgraded rad, and not the same "part number" of what's going to be removed and sent off for warranty?

[PMattras]

This past winter I noticed a coolant smell when I used the heater. The smell was mostly outside when I shut off the truck and got outside. I didn't get the smell all the time and felt it could be a loose connection (I didn't see any leaks) and wasn't concerned until I started reading a few of these topics on this subject.

 

About three weeks ago I got an oil change and I asked the Chevy Dealership to check for leaks. They couldn't find any (fast visible check) and told me to make an appointment to check it further.

 

Last week the smell of anti freeze got worse because I was using the heater more. I set up another appointment for today. When I got the truck to the garage there was a slight smell of anti-freeze. They found it had a very small pinhole in the radiator. They replaced the radiator and thermostat which was still under warranty. I only have 22,000 miles on this truck. I hope the 2016 radiator is better than the 2014 because I never pushed the vehicle hard (no towing or plowing) and just drove it. I heard this would have cost somewhere around $1,000 if it wasn't on warranty. There was no prices on my invoice.

 

Seems to be okay when I got it home.

 

Thanks for these topics and hearing from other people on this subject.

 

FYI

 

The invoice also states replaced radiator and thermostat per bulletin #pil513. Radiator is leaking along left hand tank.

Edited March 21, 2016 by PMattras

[HondaHawkGT]

http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=5128

 

An engine coolant smell may be noticed while driving some 2014-2015 Silverado, Sierra; and 2015 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon models and Escalade models. A coolant leak also may be found under the front of the vehicle.

 

Inspect the radiator for signs of leaks, especially where the tubes attach to the headers. (Fig. 3)

 

 

If a leak is found, it may be the result of excessive thermocycles within the cooling system caused by excessive cycling of the thermostat. The excessive thermocycles may cause the tubes to fatigue, crack and leak at the radiator headers. A new thermostat has been designed that eliminates the thermostat’s excessive cycling. Replace the radiator and the engine coolant thermostat housing, which includes the thermostat.

[HD10]

I've noticed the smell and steaming from the upper passenger side for about 6 months now. The dealership has been unable to find anything they say. When I got home from the dealership this last time I could smell it. Today I decided to remove some covers and was not surprised to see the top passenger corner showing signs of leakage. Called the dealership back and told them to order the radiator but they will not without seeing the problem.....needless to say its going back with all the covers off so "Ray Charles" can see it.

 

I agree GM needs to address this issue...not only with the parts but with there Service Departments as well.

[sargesffs]

With all these problems why hasn't Chevy issued a recall? Seems to be a fairly common problem. I asked the service writer about the coolant smell and they told me the didnt smell anything. I thought I was going nuts but now that I have hit 100K I am having to add coolant but still no visible leaking, i.e. on the ground. I also remember asking about service bulletins and recalls several times while getting oil changes and I was never told about this issue.

Edited May 19, 2020 by sargesffs
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