Hi there, I recently purchased a 1997 Corolla with 150,000 miles on it. After buying it, I noticed a few things that now have me concerned. The car drives great, fluids looked ok. But in the few days I've owned it I've noticed a smell and a noise that have me worried.
The smell: When I first checked out the car, I checked opened up the coolant reserve tank to make sure it was green, not abnormally colored. I don't recall spilling any of the antifreeze anywhere when I did that. But the thing is, after buying the car, on my way home, I noticed it smelt a bit like antifreeze inside the car.. with no heat or ac on and the windows closed. I did test out the heat and ac an hour or 2 before I noticed this smell though.. not sure if that's pointless information to add to this but I'm trying to give as many details as possible. So, when I got home I researched this smell inside the car, and came across something that said to check the passenger side floor and see if its wet, and if it is then there is most likely a heater core problem. So, I checked the passenger floor, under the floor mat and sure enough it was damp/kind of wet... but it didn't smell like antifreeze or anything. So I'm just wondering if there could be a problem, and if so, what could the problem be, and how much would it cost to get repaired?
The noise: To hear this noise, I had to have all the windows up, stereo off, and ac or heat off. It sounds like a squeaking/whistling sound. It isn't very loud of a sound. The timing belt was changed at 90k, and there is 150k on the car now.. so I'm just wondering what this noise could be, how much it would cost to get fixed, anything you all can tell me.
There's also a separate noise.. When I put the car in reverse, it makes a quiet rattling sound.. like what you'd hear when a glove box is loose or something.
Anyways, just wondering if any of these noises and sounds, etc. are something I should worry about, and if any or all of them could be related to a single problem. Thank you all for your help in advance, I look forward to your replies!
Hi: Hope that the wet floor is not the heater core. If it is, that is a labor intensive (since many parts have to removed to access it) and can be expensive if you can't do it yourself. Noise could be a drivebelt. Did you check or have the belte checked recently? If they have never been replaced, they are overdue. Hope some of this helps
The Following User Says Thank You to zythr For This Useful Post:
Hi: Hope that the wet floor is not the heater core. If it is, that is a labor intensive (since many parts have to removed to access it) and can be expensive if you can't do it yourself. Noise could be a drivebelt. Did you check or have the belte checked recently? If they have never been replaced, they are overdue. Hope some of this helps
Yeah, from what I've found on the Internet, it sounds like if the wetness on the passenger side floor is antifreeze - then it's a heater core problem. But if it's just water.. then the AC is plugged from what I understand? It didn't smell like antifreeze at all, seemed like water, so I'm guessing its the AC being plugged. If that's the case, how would I unplug it? Or if I had to have a mechanic do it, about how much would it cost?
As for the belts, I just bought the car so I haven't had them checked. I took it to a mechanic today though just to take a look at it and he said any noise it was making (which he had a tough time hearing) is nothing out of the ordinary. But yeah, I'm not sure when the belts were replaced and don't really know how to determine if they're bad. The one thing I do know is the timing belt was changed about 60,000 miles ago, which is my main concern but it sounds like timing belts are usually good for around 90k so that should be fine.
If the floor is only wet in the summer, your AC drain is blocked.
Other noises you will have to eliminate one at a time, like removing the belts to see if the noise goes away.
Rattling sounds are typically exhaust making the noise but its PROBABLY from worn out engine mounts. Front and back are the usual culprits.
-SP
I'm not sure if it's only wet in the Summer or in the Winter too because I just bought the car. I tested out the heat before I bought it, for about 2 minutes. And I used the a/c a bunch. So yeah, I'm hoping and guessing it's just the AC drain being blocked (which I have no idea how to unblock).
Yeah the exhaust is in good shape, so maybe it is the engine mounts. It only makes it when in reverse, and its not very loud. If it is engine mounts is that an expensive fix?
- I also noticed another noise today, while I'm driving.. sounds like a glovebox rattling type of thing but its not the glovebox.. no clue what the noise is and even though it ain't loud its driving me nuts lol. I probably sound pretty OCD right now but it's just I've had some bad luck with used cars and am praying that I have finally caught a break with this car, so I just want to make sure it's good to go and I can be worry-free for a few months lol.
Yeah, from what I've found on the Internet, it sounds like if the wetness on the passenger side floor is antifreeze - then it's a heater core problem. But if it's just water.. then the AC is plugged from what I understand? It didn't smell like antifreeze at all, seemed like water, so I'm guessing its the AC being plugged. If that's the case, how would I unplug it? Or if I had to have a mechanic do it, about how much would it cost?
As for the belts, I just bought the car so I haven't had them checked. I took it to a mechanic today though just to take a look at it and he said any noise it was making (which he had a tough time hearing) is nothing out of the ordinary. But yeah, I'm not sure when the belts were replaced and don't really know how to determine if they're bad. The one thing I do know is the timing belt was changed about 60,000 miles ago, which is my main concern but it sounds like timing belts are usually good for around 90k so that should be fine.
If the wetness on the floor is water from the AC, then usually it is the result of a clogged drain tube. You or your mechanic can use compressed air to clear the tube of the debris causing the clog. It should not cost too much to unclog it.
Belts you can check for glazing, and by feel. If you have any doubts, just change them out.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
