Antifreeze smell

[DebbyP]

My low coolant light came on last week 1 time. I checked the antifreeze but I did not need any. It hasn't come on since. I do have a smell of antifreeze but do not see any leaking. Anyone with any ideas?

[HotZ28]

Check your passenger side floor under floor mat, to see if it is wet, if so, you have a leak in the heater core.

[Dfisher40]

Debbie,
We do not know what year and motor you are driving?
I have an 88 with a 2.8L with 145K+. The coolant light is on and off constantly.
I have no leaks,... kind of
I had to add antifreeze regularly. Turns out it was a head gasket. Pardon me, I digress.
You say you can smell the antifreeze. This is a good thing. After driving your car, wherever, place a piece of cardboard under the motor and check it when your ready to leave. You should see some green fluid somewhere. If you can smell the antifreeze inside the car, then its your heater core.
Give us some more details.
Dave

[BNaylor]

There are known issues with 97 and up Regal Series II 3800 intake manifold gaskets. If the smell of coolant originates in the engine compartment, then its a good idea to inspect the area around the intake manifold, the radiator hoses and heater hoses, etc. Also check the condition of the engine oil. Make sure it looks normal and not milky looking.

For the low coolant light, the best way to check coolant level is with the engine cold and by removing the radiator cap and not depending on the coolant reservoir. Start engine and let it warm up or until the thermostat opens. You should be able to see the coolant level visually. If its OK there is a coolant level sensor located on the right side of the radiator (passenger side) below the cap and filler spout.

Sometimes the coolant light will come on and off intermittently indicating there may be air in the system which will require a bleeding.