Hi All,

I just got my car back from the dealer about a month ago for the transmission tsb. While swapping the parts the service manager called me to let me know that they will replace the water pump as it needs to be replaced and was still under warranty. Since getting it back there is a very noticeable burning smell coming the radiator cap area. Is it possible they installed a defective water pump or something? I'm kind of irritated by this because I don't believe there was any issue with the previous pump (no leaks, running hot, etc....). I should also note that when i first drove the car there was a very audible rattle coming from the general water pump area which lasted about 5min then went away.....

any idea on what could be the issue??

 

Your transmission is coolant cooled i would check the job first. Any diagnosis starts with a proper visual inspection. Check the coolant level. Then take advisement for a more serious matter.

 

Typically when you smell coolant burning it means it is leaking from somewhere. If possible, take your car for a drive, long enough to let it warm up then once you get home, check under the car to see if it is dripping. (don't use the AC while doing this as it drips water too) You may have to look under the hood as the trays under the engine might stop any coolant dripping down to the ground.

This should tell you if you have a leak or not. There is a possibilty that the seal is defective around the water pump, allowing coolant to leak.

Alternatively, the Lexus tech might not have cleaned any residual coolant that was spilt when the work was carried out, and depending on how much you have driven since getting the car back, it may still be burning off the engine.

Just my 2 cents from my mechanic days (13 years ago).

My advice is to always go and let the "professionals" look at it, especially as it's under warranty!

Good luck!

 

I wouldn't bother doing anything but taking it back to the dealer. It's under warranty. You got nothing to lose really, let them check it out and see what's wrong with it!

 

Find yourself a nice big piece of cardboard and place it under your car overnight. Looks for any signs of leaking on the cardboard in the morning. The coolant smell could just be excess coolant spillage burning off; it'll take maybe a 1-2 weeks to get rid of the smell 100% I'd guess.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. It seems that the smell is getting milder but it is definitely still there (pretty much right at the rad cap). I had the techs check it out when I brought it for my oil change but nothing came of it.....they couldn't find any leaks so I guess I will just have to keep an eye out.

 

Yeah, it'll burn off. Oh, and the cold temps there in Canada probably won't help it go away any sooner.