2005 Nissan X-Trail smoke through air vents

Tiny
TRAIL
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 NISSAN X-TRAIL
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 30,000 MILES
After running for say 15mins smoke/steam comes through air vents and windscreen mists up. Water and oil levels fine.
Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 8:59 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Suspect faulty heater core. Heater core is leaking coolant in through the vents. Have you noticed a slight sweet smell as well?
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 9:09 AM
Tiny
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Thank you for replying, much appreciated. There was a smell perhaps more musty. It was very hot and humid outside so I waited until it cooled off and then came Home!I do not understand too much of the mechanical side, sorry. Is this an expensive fault?
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 9:24 AM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
It is quiet a large bill, yes. The heater core is what allows you to use the heater system of your vehicle. If you live in warm area such as Florida and don't use the heater, you can bypass the heater core. You do this by simply disconnecting the heater hoses from the heater core and joining the ends of the hoses together with an additional piece of hose. This bypasses the heater core and still allows the coolant to flow freely throughout the rest of the system to cool the engine properly. Below is an estimate for replacing your heater core..


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Noname_599.jpg

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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
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Thank you again. I live in UK so need the Heater in winter. Is it OK to drive the Car to a Garage to be fixed? Is this just one of those things or would something have caused it to go? Sorry so many questions.
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Yeah it will be fine to drive to a local repair shop. Heater cores are pretty common to fail. Just like an alternatore or any other component on your vehicle, wear and tear will eventually cause it to fail. Even if you didn't use the heater, the heater core still operates letting coolant flow through it. If it starts to leak, it blows the coolant vapors into the cab.
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
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I can't thank you enough. You've just helped out an Elder, recently widowed. I will let you know how I get on. Thank you.
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 10:07 AM

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