Thought I'd put this to the members before I commit to the dealership.

My 2002 Freelander has about 50,000 miles on the clock. I've noticed a slight smell of coolant while I'm driving. Lately, I noticed that, after the vehicle's stopped and turned off, the fan is still going for awhile. Further, the coolant level is quite low in the bottle near the firewall.

After filling the bottle to the normal range, the coolant level drops again, within a short time, of course, indicating a leak. I also notice there's a small reddish puddle (coolant) near the front passenger (right side) wheel when I come out to the car in the morning.

Is there an issue related to the coolant (leaks, ruptures of lines, etc.) that anyone knows about with these vehicles?

Obviously, I'm fearing the worst, here, while hoping for the best.

 

you could have leaking headgaskets thats what the main problem mite be. check the hoses on the sides of the coolant tank.

 

Thanks for the suggestion.

It turns out it's the thermostat seal, which was leaking water and coolant. Went ahead and gave the dealer the go-ahead for the repair, and I should be getting the car back today. I'm just glad it wasn't a heater core or something more expensive. I do know there has been an issue with the cores on these vehicles.

I was still even a little surprised that the thermostat seal would go on a vehicle with 50k on the odometer. Knowing what an expensive fix the heater core would have been, I'm counting my blessings, though.

Thanks again.

 

One should never be surprised about the things our Rovers do.
Mike