Smells like antifreeze when I turn on the heat

[nikesens]

Turned on the heat in my 08 Kia sportage today and I get a realy strong antifreeze smell. Anyone have any ideas what would cause this? Would it be the heater core? Where is it located for me to check and see if its leaking? Also is it still safe to drive it this way I don't want to over heat it and screw up the motor. Appreciate the answers.

[nstoolman1]

My guess would be a hose connection to the core or the core itself. Don't own a Sportage so I can't help with the location.

[tonyking]

X2 on the heater core or heater core hose.

It could also be a coolant leak somewhere else, and the smell is being pulled into the cab through the climate system air inlet (the one located lust below the windshield).

If your windows fog up (which is a safety issue), then I'd guess you have a heater core problem. I had a Jeep Cherokee with a blown heater core. THe windows would fog up so bad that I couldn't see out the windows.

Keep an eye on the coolant level.

I hope it's an easy fix! Keep us posted.

[cobra259]

Your heater core is on the pass side up under the dash. The lines hook up to it, under the hood on the pass side fire wall. Like already said, is your coolant level low?

[fiddler69uk]

sounds like your heater matrix or core, check to see if your footwell carpets are wet, also your windows will fog up or if you have your windows down you will see steam coming out of the air vents. Check your coolant level too as it could lead to a blown cylinder head. This happend to a Ford escort equipe i had nearly £800 in garage bills so god knows what it would cost for a sportage ?????
check coolant level every journey mate
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