I have a 1996 Honda civic. For the past 2 days I smell a sweetish (slightly pungent) smell as soon as I park the car turn it off and get out (it goes away after a minute or so). I traced the smell to the point that its coming thru the radiator fins. Checked oil, coolant, ATF and dont seem to see any problems and their levels are fine too. Also no obvious signs of leaking coolant or white smoke coming out of exhaust. Would appreciate if anybody could give a hint as to what is causing this smell ?
BTW I can only smell it if I get out of my car after I turn it off and I have never noticed the smell inside the car....so theres no smell inside even if I turn heater or ac on (both working fine also I checked). Also the weather has turned a bit cold the past few days so dunno if that is one of the reasons for this?!?!
2006-11-09 15:18:57 · 17 answers · asked by xl2s 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Honda
Its anti freeze.
2006-11-09 15:20:35 · answer #1 · answered by SunValleyLife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No experinced mechanic in the world can diagnose a car from such a limitef sescription. This sounds a lot like some type of fuel related issue the fuel pump can turn on and off all day long it its too old to maintain pressure then it does not work right. The mechanic needs to hook it up to a computer to read what the fuel pressure is and to check the electrical wiring to the pump. Im guessing your fuel pump os old and past its prime. I guess you can drive the car until it quits next time then call the tow truck good luck hope you figure it out.
2016-03-28 01:01:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the heater core is ready to die. Check for coolant leaks under or in the car. Is the front passenger floor wet? Do your windows fog up with the defroster on?
2006-11-10 00:31:07 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sweet smell is coolant. You must have a leak somewhere, keep looking.
2006-11-09 15:21:13 · answer #4 · answered by yummymummy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok heres the deal these cars are notorious for the upper radiator tank to crack after all the years of service....open the hood and look at the upper tank very very closley u will more than likeley see a crack there causeing a leak of antifreeze...i have replaced so many of these radiators that i cant count on my hands and toes!
2006-11-10 09:28:21 · answer #5 · answered by Steven S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you, possibly, or someone else, spill a little coolant? Sometimes it takes a while to 'burn off'. Otherwise, possibly a tiny coolant leak.
2006-11-10 13:47:20 · answer #6 · answered by Baby'sMom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Antifreeze leak some where need to get checked by a mechanic he or she can do a pressure test if it run hot the motor is shot need to get it fixed.It want cost much to fix it now but it can if you let it go.
2006-11-09 15:23:38 · answer #7 · answered by Douglas R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call Click & Clack on your local NPR radio station: 1-888-car-talk or go to www.cartalk.com
These guys are great at solving car problems. They have a very entertaining radio talk show also.
Good luck!
2006-11-09 15:27:49 · answer #8 · answered by gringa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like coolant seapage,it doesnt take much to be noticable,have the system pressure tested for leaks
2006-11-09 15:22:45 · answer #9 · answered by doug b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A sweet smell is the radiator fluid. (It almost smells like maple syrup)
2006-11-09 15:21:20 · answer #10 · answered by John 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u need to check ur coolant really good or take it to the shop
2006-11-10 12:12:33 · answer #11 · answered by gurltype_r01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋