Solvent smell in car

[Rakip123]

Afternoon all,


I bought a ct200h a couple of weeks ago, haven't driven it much since purchase. Last night there was a solvent (possibly coolant smell) coming into the cabin after 20 mins of running the heater. Thinking it might have been linked to something on the road took it out for another drive this morning and was able to replicate the smell. It's quite noxious and not sure to if it's coolant. My first suspicion was some sort of coolant leak since i noticed the windows fogging up shortly after the car warms up however i can't seem to see any reduction in the coolant level?

While I can't be sure, if it's not a leak in the heater core, any other ideas what might be causing this?

[Old Merc]

Everything your saying points to a leaking heater matrix.Firstly check your coolant level,footwell carpet for moisture,if you can see the bottom of the heater case for stains?

[Rakip123]

Thanks couldn't feel any moisture on the carpet but perhaps that's because it's hard to feel on the carpet, if it were a leaking heater matrix any reason why the coolant level wouldn't change?

[GreenV8S]

Hard to diagnose smells over the internet. You could open the pressure cap when the engine is cold and take a sniff of the coolant. It usually has quite a distinctive smell.

[Rakip123]

Ok here's an update, smell is coming from the right hand side of the engine bay it's strongest outside the car, it's strong enough to give you a headache rather than take a chance I'll book it into a service centre see what they say, from outside it smells like it could be fuel.

[Rakip123]

Right dealer wants £180 to check it out, car was bought approved used but that doesn't seem to have an impact on the fee you pay it regardless. When I get a chance during the day I'll check to see if there's any oil leaks in the engine bay or blowing coming from any of the seals.

[GreenV8S]

Rakip123 said:

from outside it smells like it could be fuel.

If you have a fuel leak, starting the engine is dodgy and you definitely don't want to be driving it. There are plenty of ignition sources in an engine bay.

[Rakip123]

Thanks for the advice, think your right so under these circumstances I've got in touch with the original Lexus dealer who sold me the car, they'll speak to the service director but where do I stand on this, I need to be able to demonstrate the car has a problem but that would require driving it

[GreenV8S]

Do you have any break down cover? A report of evidence (smell) of a fuel leak from an independent mechanic is proof of a serious defect.

[Rakip123]

Lexus warranty does come with breakdown cover included so I could call them, just been looking at the cars fuel consumption, the average mpg is 45 and to travel 70 miles used 1/8 of a tank so consumption appears normal, it may possibly be exhaust fumes so at least if I drive I won't burn to death

Edited by Rakip123 on Tuesday 26th November 13:29

[Rakip123]

Ok another update for anyone that's interested I noticed dripping onto the road from the engine bay at first thoughts it was water but dabbed some tissue into it.... It's petrol leaking onto the road from an approved used Lexus, that's been thoroughly examined by trained technicians prior to purchase, I give up