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Faint antifreeze smell inside car after extended idling

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by ZXC, Feb 19, 2021.

  1. ZXC

    ZXC New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    3
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    Location:
    Up north
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    2013 Prius 3

    Last Sunday, after idling for about an hour with the heater going, I smelled faint odor of antifreeze. The same thing happened a couple of days prior after idling for about an hour. I haven't smelled the antifreeze while driving (extremely limited since this issued showed up). The car has about 75K miles on it.

    The reservoir is full to the line and the cap *seems* tight. i have no idea if the car is overheating because no temp gauge(?). I didn't see a puddle under the car in the driveway, but that's not where I was idling.

    The car has also been making a funny metallic noise, maybe vibration, ever since I had the oil changed a few weeks ago. Mostly subzero temps and the usual snow, ice, and clods.

    What is likely wrong? What should I check first?

    Thank you.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,129
    50,045
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    if you're not losing coolant, there can't be much of a leak. maybe a drip from the heater core or hoses?
     
    ZXC likes this.