possible dccv issue?

[jjackso2]

Looking thru various threads, it appears that I may have a dccv issue on my 2001 LS Sport

Symptoms:

1) Cold air only coming from vents. If on Auto temp, fan goes to hi.
2) Engine temperature comes up very quickly
3) temperature gauge shows no abnormal temperature, although it did rise above half way yesterday but came back down quickly
4) When I shut off car, radiator fluid smell emanates from hood
5) at Idle, an engine fan is running at hi speed, similar to summertime when AC is running.

How do I know if this is a dccv or Aux pump issue?

Thanks for any help you can provide

 

[brack86svo]

If you have a coolant smell, you need to find the leak and fix it first.
All those problems sound like you have air in the cooling system.

 

[marcredd]

Definitely worth trying to track down any possible leaks and make sure the system does not have air in it before defaulting to the dccv. Not saying that it is not part of your issue but it is not the first(and most economical if you do not work on your car yourself) thing on the list for troubleshooting. Has the car been up on a lift to see if there is any coolant runoff? The fan running high at idle is not normal. At least by my experiences with my 2000 Sport.

 

[LS4me]

Sounds like a leak to me. Also a stuck-open (failed) thermostat.

 

[jjackso2]

Thanks for the advice...I will get it to the shop and have them check it for leaks, etc.

 

[oddball]

Might just need to have the coolant bled. An air pocket in the heater core can prevent circulation, and the air bleed is right next to the heater core.
The LS has a fairly unusual cooling system, make sure you shop understands about the air bleed.