Radiator fluid smell & heater no longer work

nckat101 · 01-16-2009, 09:22 PM

I have a 2000 Expedition. The heat was working but now it no longer works and I smell radiator fluid. Does anyone have any suggestions of what this is and how to fix the problem. It is awfully cold today and that smell stays with you for hours.

Thanks

99Expy · 01-16-2009, 10:23 PM

Check your upper and lower radiator hose and heater hoses. Heck, check all hoses.
Also check coolant level, has it been serviced?

Randall_six · 01-16-2009, 10:34 PM

Is the smell inside the passenger compartment. If so, it is most likely your heater core, leaking causing the engine to loose coolant. Probably a pita to change. If the smell is outside the vehicle, check the usual culprits, hoses, etc.

TBIRD430 · 01-20-2009, 02:54 PM

Keep watching the passanger front floorboard & top edge of the carpet. Also look for a "fog" on the bottom of your windshield. These are all signs that the heater core (inside dash) is failing & needs replacing. I guess you should check the rear carpet too, as there is also a heatercore back there. I would also watch the coolant level in your overflow container (underhood).

Red 1 · 05-26-2009, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBIRD430

Keep watching the passanger front floorboard & top edge of the carpet. Also look for a "fog" on the bottom of your windshield. These are all signs that the heater core (inside dash) is failing & needs replacing. I guess you should check the rear carpet too, as there is also a heatercore back there. I would also watch the coolant level in your overflow container (underhood).

Awesome things to look for. I'm not even remotely close to being a mechanic...but I can digest these traits. Thanks for sharing.

- Red

kelligreen · 06-12-2009, 07:47 AM

I may be way off, because this would not pertain to the smell issue. But I had a problem with my 99 last summer when trying to use the AC. Only hot air came out. Apparently the blend door actuator needed to be replaced. This is about a $6.00 piece that moves one dirrection to let hot air in and the other to let cooler air in. I was told they just eventually wear out. Unfortunatly in my year/model this piece is very hard to get to and cost me $1,600 in labor.

Again probably not your problem, but thought it worth mentioning.

thegladiator · 06-25-2009, 01:20 PM

its def the blend door. The thing to do is DO NOT carry it to the dealership. Find a local place and get it repaired for around 400-600. got mine repaired in my 99 expy for 345

dgna5 · 07-09-2009, 05:06 PM

I had to register to reply to this :
I went through this exact prob. change your T-Stat and ur "Pressure Relief Vessel" ie. overflow Cap With a new Good Quality 16 psi. one. if u can get a Good T-stat (Summit Racing) go ahead and get a 185.deg. or if ur feeling really crazy a 180.deg. I no people are gonna say Do Not go Lower than stock but .. I works.. Than duel E-Fans for Sh!ts and Giggles..!
dgna5