Toyota RAV4 Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Coolant smell

Jump to Latest
18K views 18 replies 12 participants last post by  mytoy  
A
#1 ·
guys, is it normal for the coolant to smell under the hood after driving? Have the rav for about 3 months now and I don't remember smelling it when I first got it.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
R
#2 ·
Hi there, smelling fluid or seeing fluid leaks is never a good thing with cars. That being said, have you noticed any difference in the amount of coolant in the see through (overflow) tank? Have you noticed any drips on the garage floor or driveway? Also, not to be patronizing or insulting, but are you sure the smell is coolant? If you've had a coolant leak in the past you'll certainly remember the smell, that's for sure. I've noticed various smells eminating from the new Rav (just over 3 weeks old) after it's been in the closed garage after a drive. I'm assuming this is normal for a new car, but a coolant smell IMHO is not.

Anyone else want to chime in here? If it persists, off to to dealer with it. It's a pita but it needs to be done.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#3 ·
The 3.5 V6 was famous (infamous) for coolant leaking from the weep hole of its water pump. Mine did it too. After a long highway drive (Canada to Florida in 3 days), the coolant smell disappeared.

This is the first time I have heard of any coolant smell in a 2.5 4 cylinder. Perhaps the coolant surge tank was overfilled initially. If the engine gets really hot, the excess coolant could have been forced from the overflow. See what the cold level is in the surge tank. If it's above FULL, then that was likely your problem. If not, check around the weep hole of your water pump for signs of coolant.
 
N
#9 ·
My toyota enginess have always had a faint (very faint) smell of coolant when hot. True on highlander and Tacoma as well a our Rav.
I attribute it to the overflow/vent pipe on the plastic coolant tank. It allows odors from warmed coolant in that tank into the air, exaggerated by hot air around the engine coming up when the hood's opened.
Never had a drop in coolant from the tank though so never concerned.
 
#10 ·
My wife's then-Subaru had strong coolant smell from new - bad enough to make her nauseous. Three trips to the dealer later they still couldn't find the problem and there was no visible loss of coolant from the plastic coolant tank. I finally discovered that there was a very slow leak from a solder joint in the radiator. Since the radiator gets hot that caused the smell and magnified it.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
B
#12 ·
Hi new to the forum. Recently noticed an antifreeze smell after driving in unusually hot weather here on the coast with my 6 month old 2015 Rav XLE. Went for it's first service today (7400 km) and they had to add coolant with no noticeable leaks. Temperature gauge always registered normal but I will monitor levels more closely now.
 
#13 ·
Older post but I thought I would add this. When we bought both of our '08 models new they both reeked of coolant after driving them. I was concerned but watched the levels (no leaks) and they remained ok. After a month or two the smell on both disappeared and has never returned. For what it's worth..........
 
#15 ·
I get that smell also. Had it on my '06 Highlander as well. Don't remember if my '09 RAV or '12 Highlander had it though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Briddel
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#17 ·
What it could also be is that there is no overflow hose on the coolant reservoir.

When the engine gets too hot pressure in the radiator builds and forces the coolant to flow from the radiator back into the reservoir to cool down - any excess fluid will escape from the overflow opening on the filler neck. Without a hose directing the overflow away from the reservoir the residual fluid pooling on top of the reservoir will start too smell.

I believe someone on here bought and connected a hose to that opening to direct the fluid down away from the reservoir.

Unless it's a leak of course! ?
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#19 · (Edited)
Have to say the coolant smell I used to sense is now gone. Coolant level is normal, no overflow hose, no smell. The odor seems to be gone, now have 10K miles. Been extremely hot here and been doing allot of driving. Would think I'd get the odor, but nothing. Nothing to complain. Good!
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Toyota RAV4 Forums
posts
1.1M
members
174K
Since
2004
Rav 4 World is the internet's largest Toyota Rav4 SUV and EV online forum community. Discuss towing, modifications, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
4.3 General 4.3 Mechanical 4.5 RAV4 Hybrid (except Prime) 4.5 RAV4 Prime 4.3 Exterior