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Stock JK TechBulletin board forum regarding issues with OE (original equipment) components of the Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) such as factory suspension parts, engine, transmission, body parts, interior fixtures and the on-board computer.
So I don't know how long it has been doing this as I bought the jeep late January, is a 2013 wrangler sport 2dr. The symptoms are that from time to time I can smell coolant while driving with the driver side window is down, the coolant reservoir keeps looking low/ coolant level keeps dropping. I checked the dipstick and oil filler cap for foaming (hoping its not a blown head gasket) and they both look clean. I don't see any leak spots under the jeep. I have a feeling its the heater core because there hasn't been much rain so I don't think its the cowl drain clogged but what has me confused is that when I pressed a paper towel on the passenger floor it comes up clear versus the yellow/orange color of the coolant. Haven't been using the a/c so I don't think it's the condensation, however I have used the heat and it works well. also my temp gauge has stayed normal even on long drives (drove 1100mi within 2 days) and no over heating issues. Does any one have any ideas on what it could be?
Are you saying that you have a wet interior? Have you thought about pulling the carpet out on that side to keep an eye on how much liquid is pooling up and try to trace it? It's very hard with that carpet and carpet padding in there just absorbing things. It's easy to pull that out and stick it back in too. You might have to make a 1/4" snip by the front seat base (it's obvious where and isn't really noticeable upon reinstall).
Are you saying that you have a wet interior? Have you thought about pulling the carpet out on that side to keep an eye on how much liquid is pooling up and try to trace it? It's very hard with that carpet and carpet padding in there just absorbing things. It's easy to pull that out and stick it back in too. You might have to make a 1/4" snip by the front seat base (it's obvious where and isn't really noticeable upon reinstall).
yes it is wet but only on the passenger's side, I haven't pulled carpet out yet. I'll look at doing that tomorrow since the sun is going down where I'm at and I don't have a garage. But that is a good idea thank you
There was someone else on here recently that did an excellent job documenting the repair but I can't seem to find that link right now. If it turns out that it is NOT coolant in the floorboard, you might take 15 minutes to remove the airbox and intake tube, remove the bolts for the fan shroud and just lean that back so you can get a clear look at the back side of your radiator. A common leak is where the fins meet the sides. This often creates a faint whiff of coolant from time to time but it burns off before ever amounting to drops on the ground. My factory rad is pictured in post 24 on this thread -
That radiator passed several pressure tests too. I would just notice dropping level in my overflow resi every 3-4 weeks. The issue is you just can't see that without moving the fan shroud out of the way. Hairline cracks at the thermostat housing are a common issue as well. I would say all these issues are a lot more common than a blown head gasket. Hopefully you can track it down.
Final note, on your '13 the OAT coolant has a purple die. It will look orange'ish when you look in the rad cap, but when in a clear bottle it is purple. I'd think if you get enough pooling on the floorboard without carpet, you're going to be able to easily identify coolant from water. Not to mention you should see a visible trace of where it's coming from.
So I got impatient and pulled the carpet back and there was a puddle, the carpet pad was orangeish but I didn't see any rust. but the puddle looked clear when I put a paper towel down. So I feel like I'm back to not knowing lol, the coolant I put in was orange/ yellow. It has 118k mi on it so theres a chance theres been a coolant flush or two. So no clue, it has a diagnostic appointment next week because I've already replaced one heater core recently on my classic mustang and once is more than enough for me. pad under the carpet floor pan paper towel in the puddle
Which dealer did you choose? I used to live in Norfolk and got sub par service Southern on Military Hwy in Chesapeake. The one there in Norfolk wasn't bad with black and white problems, though their water leak diagnosis wasn't great. I've also had work done out at the dealer on/ around Rosemont and they were better with the leak diagnosis, though a little slow.
unknown pooling
