Ranger Coolant Smell

2000 Ranger XLT...sometimes when I drive on the highway for about 10 minutes, I notice my temp gauge climbs to the red zone and the check gauge light comes on. When I apply the breaks to slow down, the light goes off and the temp drops. From that point on the temp is fine and stays at a normal level even when I increase speed.
Also, I notice a coolant smell outside the truck, but I can't see any leaks and there are no puddles on the ground. I have to add coolant about once a month. After I add the coolant, this problem doesn't happen and the smell goes away. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

Refilling your radiator coolant once a month is abnormal. I have a '99 Rabger 4.0L and I don't know when was the last time I had to add coolant - although I check the coolant at least once every a couple of weeks. From your description of coolant smell plus occasional experience with overheading, I suspect that your coolant is leaking somewhere - not much but still a leak. Doesn't get in your driveway because it may be leaking in an area where it evaporates due to engine heat.

If you have difficulty finding the leak, try washing your engine especially the underside. Let it dry then as you drive check for any indication of green fluid.
Or you can get a mechanic to do a coolant pressure check.

Do you have any white smoke coming out of the tailpipe? I had a olds 88 that was leaking coolant into the engine.

Best Regards,
Stan


2000 Ranger XLT...sometimes when I drive on the highway for about 10 minutes, I notice my temp gauge climbs to the red zone and the check gauge light comes on. When I apply the breaks to slow down, the light goes off and the temp drops. From that point on the temp is fine and stays at a normal level even when I increase speed.
Also, I notice a coolant smell outside the truck, but I can't see any leaks and there are no puddles on the ground. I have to add coolant about once a month. After I add the coolant, this problem doesn't happen and the smell goes away. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

I had the same issue on my 98 a few years ago and it was the heater core bypass valve. It was leaking out of the valve control shaft, but not enough to leave a puddle.
Clark

I have a 2000 XLT and had a coolant smell I couldn't find. I suspected a "steam leak". I did find it, lower water pump gasket has a small pressure leak. I did not have any overheating issues that you spoke of. I lose about a pint a month if that.