Maple Syrup Smell
 

This is going to sound like a crazy question..but I need some help with a particular scenario. The trunk/rear of my car smells like a full stack of pancakes covered in syrup. At first I thought it was a prank from someone, but clearly is not. A quick internet search will show this smell is usually tied to a coolant leak of some sort or issue with the HVAC system. What is peculiar is that the smell is really centralized IN the trunk, not the cabin of the car. I feel like that rules out HVAC, however I do have another issue that needs to be addressed and has been ongoing for a year or so...anytime I run my AC and its hot out, I get some water/condensation leak in the passenger side footwell. The maple syrup smell is relatively new, like 3-4 weeks ago and persistent since then. I do not think they are related, but I am not sure.

TL : DR - Why do I smell maple syrup in my trunk? Is the engine burning coolant? Why doesn't my exhaust itself smell like syrup?

Appreciate any help!

I don't know much about the coolant leak/maple syrup smell in the trunk. Maybe you spilled something?


If you're worried, get an oil analysis now or on your next oil change. That will tell you if there's coolant getting into the cylinders. Also, keep an eye on your coolant levels and color. If the coolant is discolored (not blue) or you observe the coolant dropping abnormally over time, that is a sign of issue. Check the coolant in the morning when the engine is cold. It should stay above the "Low" line. If it's under the low line, fill it up to the low line or a little above, then continue to observe. ONLY FILL COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, or you'll risk overfilling!


As far as the water in the footwell thing, it's an issue that's been encountered before. It's due to AC drain. I'll put a link when I can find the thread
Edit: https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61569

Your HVAC drain is plugged or has come off. I would not be surprised that the smell is related but you just notice it in the trunk since it is closed up.

Take a look here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...t=61569&page=2

I was going to make a crack about having a Canadian version of the car but since you are in Maine then the same would apply anyway.

EDIT - End beat me to the link while I was looking!

Welcome to Subaru ownership :lol:

Notice any pre-2005 Subie will usually have a jug of coolant in the trunk.

Good thing these are not pre 2005 then isn't it?
All the sins of the past do not carry on forever.

Condensation leak or any moisture leaking into the passenger footwell when the Air Conditioning is on is usually a sign of a cracked heater core...might want to check that out

What? That is not even remotely accurate. The hose is supposed to drain out of the car and if it gets plugged it leaks in the car. Simple. Jumping to cracked heater core as the "usual" issue is a bit extreme. I have seen one split heater core in my life and that was in my 40 year old 58 Ford.

Yeah your right my bad lol, I wasnt really paying attention at first when I read the post. It's not coolant its just water. I suppose as long as your heater core doesnt sound like a dishwasher you should be fine.