This is a 03 WRX, 72,000 miles. The temp gauge reads OK. I looked around today and no obvious leaks. Checked around the hoses, looked for any wet spots where it might be spraying out from a pin hole, looked around the radiator. checked around the heads. Coolant level is right where it should be, no sign of any in the oil and no wet spots on the ground after being parked for awhile. Any suggestions ? First time i noticed it was Thursday evening after a 25 mile drive.
Did you check the passenger floorboard carpet?? I have almost smelled antifreeze from my wives 92-x.no leaks and does not use any at all.
No white smoke, floor isn't wet. Don't smell it in the car unless i have the heat blowing. It's very strong in front of the car. I opened the hood today right after driving it and it did seem stronger around the turbo area. But no obvious signs of a leak.
If its leaking at the turbo and onto the manifold sometimes it burns off so fast that you don't really see it. Check all the fittings and lines going to the turbo and coolant reservoir.
Thanks i will take a better look around there. I did a search and found some posts about the radiator cracking at the seams on the 02's and early 03's (without the cap on the radiator ) was an issue for some.
Check the hose that goes form the turbo coolant reservoir to the turbo. Check the top and bottom radiator check the coolant lines going to the block. I have the same car and same mileage, have had minor leaks in these areas. Same thing: smelled coolant. It's there it's just a matter of finding it. If you know a tech that can put it on a lift it's easier. The clamps seem to go after a while.
You say that you smell it when you have the heat on? Next time you smell it with the heat on feel your windshield to see if it is slick. You may have a bad heater core. Mine went out last year and oh boy was that a job I never want to do again. Even the steering column has to come out.