Fiesta TDCI 2002 - strong smell of window wash when first getting in

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Tue 9 Aug 2016 09:43
Fiesta TDCI 2002 - strong smell of window wash when first getting in - claire05

Hi all

Last week my coil spring broke so I had the bearing and coil replaced...since then I have been getting a really strong smell of window washer fluid when I open the car first thing. The spring that went was passanger side and the one next to the washer fluid reservoiur but the wheel arch cover should protect it.

My window washers work fine; checked my collant levels just incase it is not window wash I am smelling again levels are fine no loss there. I do not use the ac and never have.

Any ideas I am having to go out to the car first thing and open the windows to get rid off the strong smell.

Thanks in advance

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Tue 9 Aug 2016 13:23
Fiesta TDCI 2002 - strong smell of window wash when first getting in - Peter.N.

If its definitely washer fluid you can smell there must be a leak somewhere, it doesn't need much, the smell is probably being drawn in through the heater vents.

You need to be able to get a good look at the underneath and check for damp spots.

The only other thing I can think of is that the container has been punctured above the water line and the fluid is evapourating.

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Tue 9 Aug 2016 14:29
Fiesta TDCI 2002 - strong smell of window wash when first getting in - claire05

Thanks Peter N.

Totally forgot the back pipe runs through the interior even though that went on my last car, will check for leaks and fill up the washer water reservoiur and see if it is that which is leaking.

It's my house mate who say's it is definately window cleaner fluid, I am not too sure (rubbish with smells at mo, allergies) but I think it is not fuel or oil and when I sit with the engine running, windows closed and vents on full blast I can not smell anything coming through them.

I am going to take it to the garage tomorrow, will drive there with the windows shut and see if they can tell me what the smell is. I will also ask them to check the drive shaft seal since when the coil shattered and collapsed it may have put strain on the drive shaft; gearbox fluid maybe?

Will post if I finally get to the bottom of it.

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Tue 9 Aug 2016 23:07
Fiesta TDCI 2002 - strong smell of window wash when first getting in - Peter.N.

Gearbox oil if its hypoid smells like cats, unless its an auto, thats completely different

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