Coolant Smell

Zzrider618 · Nov 16, 2023

Hello, I am running into an issue of having a strong coolant smell from the exterior of the vehicle when running, or just after shutdown. it does not smell in the cab near the heater core and I do not see any leaks. Is this something anyone has experienced? 2022 TRX 61k Miles.

Austinmtlhd · Nov 16, 2023

I just had the antifreeze smell too. Then it started to make puddle under the front passenger side. It turned out to be a hairline crack in the radiator. A few days in the shop to replace it.

Tlox · Nov 16, 2023

Sounds like a radiator. I recently encountered the same issue on a new to me 22' with 13k miles. Hairline crack in the radiator that is being replaced as we speak. No smell in the cab, but strong smell on the front exterior. Radiator was on backorder for a week - but the leak was so minimal that I was able continue to drive my truck until it came in. Just needed to keep an eye on temps and levels but nothing fluctuated that raised concerns.

Unfortunately I had coolant issues on my previous TRX that had coolant smells in the cab as well as the exterior due to a bad heater core, bad intercooler pump, bad supercharger, then the brix in the replacement supercharger were leaking...after 4 trips to the dealer I traded that in for this one. I hope I never smell coolant again in any of my vehicles...

Good luck!

Zzrider618 · Nov 20, 2023

Thanks for your replies, Ill look into acquiring a radiator, thank you again!

blaster9 · Nov 20, 2023

Check your engine oil to make sure viscosity is normal & it’s not being diluted by coolant

PhoenixTRX · Nov 20, 2023

It was the radiator on mine... just took Scottsdale Airpark RAM, three visits and Lemon Law territory for our TRX before being resolved.

Smell was passenger side/front/lower. The Service Manager at the second visit would not say coolant.. instead citing a 'sweet smell'.

I replied "it's not fucking Girl Scout cookies".

Hilarity escalated with RAM Cares, even escalated internally within RAM Cares to the Regional person that deals personally with Service Managers.

Word of advice, if the dealership tries to say it's "normal and all TRX's smell like that" (I was at 19k)... contact RAM Cares, open a case# and get their referral for another location.

SandBlastard · Nov 20, 2023

PhoenixTRX said:
It was the radiator on mine... just took Scottsdale Airpark RAM, three visits and Lemon Law territory for our TRX before being resolved.

Smell was passenger side/front/lower. The Service Manager at the second visit would not say coolant.. instead citing a 'sweet smell'.

I replied "it's not fucking Girl Scout cookies".

Hilarity escalated with RAM Cares, even escalated internally within RAM Cares to the Regional person that deals personally with Service Managers.

Word of advice, if the dealership tries to say it's "normal and all TRX's smell like that" (I was at 19k)... contact RAM Cares, open a case# and get their referral for another location.

Where was the leak coming from on your radiator?

PhoenixTRX · Nov 21, 2023

SandBlastard said:
Where was the leak coming from on your radiator?

Eventually the apparent pinhole leak spread and was dripping on my driveway. Guess it wasn't Girl Scout cookies afterall.

I was concerned of supercharging bricking/coolant in the engine and other outcomes that seemed more common with fellow members.

The muppets at my local dealership who swore up/down they checked everything clearly didn't. Long story but even the radiator that shipped from the CA distribution center finally showed up having been reboxed/relabed for a 6cyl (not a single F' was given at the warehouse apparently). Ultimately another was noted shipped from the supplier to the Illinois distribution center... then shipped GROUND (aka: 5 business days to AZ, comical considering it's supposed 'expedited status/internal escalation codes noting it's for a vehicle out of service (as opposed to shelf inventory).

I have a 5yr/125k warranty and plan to keep the truck, however the value of having a tenacious service department is paramount. It was tempting to seek resolution at a reputable local (Hellcat focused) tuning shop but knew damn well it was would be 'weaponized' against me (just like the number of times they asked/even via leading questions/assumptions that my truck had a tune <- wishing there was a reason to 'get rid of me'.

Sorry to digress but I did learn a lot and have welcomed (and had contact) with other members who needed to escalate issue(s)/lost patience then faith. Likewise if I can help re: RAM Cares experiences, etc. please DM.. glad to chat!

Rebellineman · Nov 22, 2023

Zzrider618 said:
Hello, I am running into an issue of having a strong coolant smell from the exterior of the vehicle when running, or just after shutdown. it does not smell in the cab near the heater core and I do not see any leaks. Is this something anyone has experienced? 2022 TRX 61k Miles.

I had the same issue with mine. The radiator was bad. Replaced under warranty.