Hey, I have an '06 2.4L with about 180k that has had a coolant smell the last couple days. It was low in the overflow tank, but not empty. Just really wondering if there are any common things I should start with? I did have the timing chain/water pump, etc. done about 3 years ago at 140k. I have not seen any puddles under the car or in the interior.

 

I'd feel the carpet on pass side for wet or moist. Could be small leak

 

I'll check it out, assuming that points at heater core?

 

Check the coolant level under the pressure cap.
Check the rubber stopper on the t-stat cover, they can crack and spray steam.
Any drippings from the tail pipe while idling?

 

yes, but hopefully not. Just trying to rule things out,,

 

Yes on the exhaust, but that is pretty normal in my neck of the woods in every vehicle. But what would that indicate, it would give me something else to check.

 

Just checked the interior passenger floor and it is bone dry.

 

If coolant is disappearing, there are only 3 places it can go: the ground or the tail pipe or the oil reservoir.

 

it is due for an oil change within the next 500 miles anyway, I will probably change it this weekend to take a look and see how the oil looks. It does smell the most when the exhaust starts warming up, or once you shut off the car and it is still warm, you will get the smell.

 

Is the smell mostly inside or outside? Coolant doesn't produce much smell in small amounts until hot, so when the car is hot, typically. Even more if it's getting on something hotter. Follow yer nose. Hunt down that the leak.