I have a 94 Ford Taurus that I have to fill up with coolant weekly. The air conditioner and heater do not work. That is, the blower blows air, but it is not cooled or heated regardless where I set the controls. This really doesn't bother me too terribly, but I've heard some stuff about coolant getting into the passenger compartment. How likely is this and should I be worried about a possible health hazard? I generally run the system anyway even though it doesn't work because my car's fan does not like to come on without the cooling system on, so it overheats. Otherwise, I'd just shut it off and leave it off, but the coolant has to run anyway to cool the engine, so I could still have a leak anyway, right? I did notice an odd smell with the system set on "vent." Please help.
2006-07-20 19:40:20 · 4 answers · asked by Daniel S 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
The car did have a blown head gasket about 30,000 miles ago. It was a fleet vehicle being sold off cheap for that very reason. Unfortunetly, I have very little money to work with here. I've been running it for a while now without the A/C on and there doesn't seem to be any problem despite problems in the past when turning it off. I looked all around the floor of the passenger side and couldn't find any signs of liquid. Where I noticed the smell was in the air being blown with the setting on "vent," so I don't know if that says anything or not.
2006-07-21 13:49:01 · update #1
I would check all heater hoses,water pump,radiator cap etc.for leaks.Run the engine until @ operating temp.{if your temp. gauge works} Approx. 3-5 min idling, check for any noticeable leaks. If nothing visible, do a pressure leak down test. An inexpensive tester is available @ many auto part stores or bring it in, depending on your budget.If your heater core is leaking it would leak coolant inside the vehicle.{I believe it's behind the glove compartment} The floor would be damp and a noticeable rotten egg smell is an indicator. Check to see if oil is milky, or lots of moisture in exhaust once warmed up,this would indicate a possible head gasket problem.I hope it's something simple.
2006-07-20 21:35:58 · answer #1 · answered by shtick 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are more than likely burning coolant and could end up blowing the head gasket. Have your vehicle professionally serviced if affordable. You should not have to run the cooling/heat system to keep your car from over heating.
2006-07-20 19:53:24 · answer #2 · answered by Big Daddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the air system is set to vent, it takes external air to ventilate the interior. If the coolant leak is strong a hot enough it can easily get into the incoming air.
2006-07-20 19:46:14 · answer #3 · answered by Carlos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a real health hazard but if you don't have the leak repaired soon you will damage more than you will want and the bill to repair it will go up.
I had the same thing on my 88' Jaguar and all I really had to do was replace the hoses and and fluids.
2006-07-20 19:45:45 · answer #4 · answered by Gabe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋