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Antifreeze smell

Backinblk

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So I have a 2019 ram 1500 with a 5.7. I notice a strong antifreeze smell from the front passenger side of the vehicle and the tank was empty. Went to dodge to have it checked as I can’t find any staining or leaking. They said they smell it to but there is nothing wrong and it’s the antifreeze vapors i smell. ********. Well today I’m idle at a light and trucks reading 223 and climbing but as soon as I step on gas it drops to 203. Well last night it did it again and I had an infrared thermometer with me and hoses said 197 yet trucks saying 223. Help!
 

LimitedGRR

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So I have a 2019 ram 1500 with a 5.7. I notice a strong antifreeze smell from the front passenger side of the vehicle and the tank was empty. Went to dodge to have it checked as I can’t find any staining or leaking. They said they smell it to but there is nothing wrong and it’s the antifreeze vapors i smell. ********. Well today I’m idle at a light and trucks reading 223 and climbing but as soon as I step on gas it drops to 203. Well last night it did it again and I had an infrared thermometer with me and hoses said 197 yet trucks saying 223. Help!

Did they check the heater core? If it’s leaking it could be evaporating quickly or pooling somewhere where they aren’t looking


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LimitedGRR

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Did they check the heater core? If it’s leaking it could be evaporating quickly or pooling somewhere where they aren’t looking


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The hoses will have substatinally different temps than the gage will. EspeciAlly if you’re shooting the hose bringing water to the block after it passed the radiator. 20 degrees doesn’t seem like a significant difference but it depends on where the thermostat sensor is compared to where you’re testing it from


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RamCares

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So I have a 2019 ram 1500 with a 5.7. I notice a strong antifreeze smell from the front passenger side of the vehicle and the tank was empty. Went to dodge to have it checked as I can’t find any staining or leaking. They said they smell it to but there is nothing wrong and it’s the antifreeze vapors i smell. ********. Well today I’m idle at a light and trucks reading 223 and climbing but as soon as I step on gas it drops to 203. Well last night it did it again and I had an infrared thermometer with me and hoses said 197 yet trucks saying 223. Help!
We certainly understand why this would be concerning. If you are not able to determine a solution based on suggestions from fellow forum members and you decide to address this with your Ram dealer, please be sure to follow up with us via private message. We would be more than willing to escalate your situation to a specialist who can work alongside you and your dealer while your truck is in service.

Mark
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Backinblk

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The hoses will have substatinally different temps than the gage will. EspeciAlly if you’re shooting the hose bringing water to the block after it passed the radiator. 20 degrees doesn’t seem like a significant difference but it depends on where the thermostat sensor is compared to where you’re testing it from


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Took multiple readings on upper and lower hoses as well as at the thermostat housing. Never ever seen the truck run over 203. They said they pressure tested and found nothing. The smell isn’t in the truck it’s in the right front part of grill
 

Backinblk

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We certainly understand why this would be concerning. If you are not able to determine a solution based on suggestions from fellow forum members and you decide to address this with your Ram dealer, please be sure to follow up with us via private message. We would be more than willing to escalate your situation to a specialist who can work alongside you and your dealer while your truck is in service.

Mark
RamCares
How do I hit you up in private? I’m getting worried as the truck has 34,800 miles and warrantee ending soon!
 

iLikeTurtles

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Private message them. They are more than helpful. Happy endings not garaunteed though.

That does not sound right but i will post it anyway.
 

RamCares

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How do I hit you up in private? I’m getting worried as the truck has 34,800 miles and warrantee ending soon!
If you hover your mouse over our profile icon, you'll see the options 'Follow', 'Ignore', and 'Start Conversation'. Start Conversation will get you set up in a private message thread with us!

Mark
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LimitedGRR

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Took multiple readings on upper and lower hoses as well as at the thermostat housing. Never ever seen the truck run over 203. They said they pressure tested and found nothing. The smell isn’t in the truck it’s in the right front part of grill

Did you check the hose connecting the overflow? The overflow tank is on the right front of the truck. Is the overflow cap on correctly?


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LimitedGRR

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Took multiple readings on upper and lower hoses as well as at the thermostat housing. Never ever seen the truck run over 203. They said they pressure tested and found nothing. The smell isn’t in the truck it’s in the right front part of grill

Sorry, your post read to me like the smell was inside.


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79 300

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Mine smells like antifreeze around the right front too right after I shut it off. The cap on the overflow tank is not air tight, it is vented. I think the smell is normal due to the cap design.
Open the hood and check it when you shut the truck off when it's warmed up. My wife's Grand Cherokee is the same way. I often smell the antifreeze when she pulls it in the garage.
 

Backinblk

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Mine smells like antifreeze around the right front too right after I shut it off. The cap on the overflow tank is not air tight, it is vented. I think the smell is normal due to the cap design.
Open the hood and check it when you shut the truck off when it's warmed up. My wife's Grand Cherokee is the same way. I often smell the antifreeze when she pulls it in the garage.
I understand that but does your truck read 220-240 at a light or idle in driveway
 

Backinblk

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Went to dealer today and this is starting to sound like a problem they know about or a silent recall. They tell me it’s not uncommon to see temps of 230-240 with an ambient temp of 42 degrees. I call bull ****. My neighbors 18 ram runs drives and idles all day at 203. Something is wrong. So they tell me outta good faith they will extend my warranty for 24,000 miles on any coolant related issue. Just like that your giving me 24,000 mile extension. I say they know of a problem and are only fixing ones that break. Shame on you Ram
 

RamCares

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Went to dealer today and this is starting to sound like a problem they know about or a silent recall. They tell me it’s not uncommon to see temps of 230-240 with an ambient temp of 42 degrees. I call bull ****. My neighbors 18 ram runs drives and idles all day at 203. Something is wrong. So they tell me outta good faith they will extend my warranty for 24,000 miles on any coolant related issue. Just like that your giving me 24,000 mile extension. I say they know of a problem and are only fixing ones that break. Shame on you Ram
Just had a chance to respond to your message on this, @Backinblk!

Mark
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LimitedGRR

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Went to dealer today and this is starting to sound like a problem they know about or a silent recall. They tell me it’s not uncommon to see temps of 230-240 with an ambient temp of 42 degrees. I call bull ****. My neighbors 18 ram runs drives and idles all day at 203. Something is wrong. So they tell me outta good faith they will extend my warranty for 24,000 miles on any coolant related issue. Just like that your giving me 24,000 mile extension. I say they know of a problem and are only fixing ones that break. Shame on you Ram

Have you checked the level in the overflow tank? Make sure it’s not over max. It could be the if the tank is too full that the pressurization of the system once it’s warmed up is forcing vapor out that might be under more pressure than usual.


Did the dealer burp your system in case there’s an air block? On old school systems if there’s an air block in the system it would raise temps.

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79 300

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I understand that but does your truck read 220-240 at a light or idle in driveway
I never really checked it in the info center, but the temp gauge itself never goes above 1/3 or so.
 

Ramtrx

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My truck will run up to 223 before it drops. I believe it’s normal. My other ram was the same. Also the antifreeze smell I get as well. Dealer tested it and all is fine. Tank is full as well. I have heard it’s the cap on the reservoir tank. Inside the block the water is much higher. The hoses temps are irrelevant.
 

OldMarine

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Dealer extended your coolant system warranty by 24,000 miles...and you're pissed?
 

mikeru82

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Sounds like they're taking care of you. I'd just continue driving it normally, although I'd keep an eye on it like you've been doing.
 

eye exaggerate

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Noticed an antifreeze smell *inside of my ‘19 Laramie today - very strong.
 

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