[Hoyshnin]

When I turn on the air in my 2010 CE I smell a strong sweet smell come through the vents. What could this be? Antifreeze? How do I get rid of it?

 

[Howard243]

If the engine is similar to an 04, look to the left and down of the oil filter---on the front of the engine block there is a plate that sort of takes the place of 'freeze plugs'- If you see pink crystals around it, it would be antifreeze seeping here. It seals with only an RTV type of silicone 'gasket maker'. Mine has done this every 80,000 miles. Of course could be hoses somewhere, too, can see those better by removing the top name plate off of engine. First time the dealer did it, about $150+. Second time I did while I changed the oil, it was $15 for the tube of RTV from the dealer for this.

 

[happycamper]

If the previous post doesn't pan out (radiator), then a tiny crack in one of the heater cores would be my guess. It happened to one of my vehicles, with the exact same smell. If it is the front heater core, then the entire dash likely needs to be removed.

 

[fibber2]

The heater core can be uncrimped from the metal lines coming thru the firewall and exit the heater box down on the lower left side of the dash near the gas pedal without gutting the ENTIRE dash, but it isn't easy. If it comes to that, I can get some data together that tell more about the process.

Take a look at the AC evaporator drain under the hood at the firewall for signs of red coolant showing up there. Eventually, if the leak becomes large enough, some will collect at the bottom of the HVAC box and drip out.

 

[SteveH-CO]

If it's under warranty, have the dealer pressure-test the system and watch for leaks. Fixing a heater core (if that is the problem) is a labor-intensive job.

Fibber2 - I'd love to know roughly what's involved in a simpler removal of the heater core. I've removed entire Toyota dashboards before and hope to never do it again.

 

[happycamper]

My failed heater core would have passed all pressure tests. The leak was incredibly small, there was only a 1" long stain on the heater core. No coolant would have made it out of the HVAC box, it all evaporated before it reached the bottom of the core. If I were to guess, I'd say the leak was less than a drop every hour or two.

 

[fibber2]

Probably the best thing to do is send you over to the Toyota Nation site where I previously helped another guy get started, and he then pulled apart the lower dash to get to the core.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/2...6-no-heat-front-van-right-side-04-sienna.html

 

[cdwang]

I have the exact same problem - coolant seeping from the plate next to the oil filtter of my 2004 Sienna. Can you share how to remove the plate? The repair shop I use says you have to take off some AC parts to get to the plate. Also, when you remove the plate, how much coolant do you lose?