I just bought a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, upgrading from my 94 JGCL. I've been driving around to see what issues arise (it is used, 99,000 miles) and so far just needs new from brakes and I get a strong sweet/anti freeze odor in the cab and the windows fog bad any time the heat/ac is on. The shop I took it to said the hose clamps are loose, it got fixed and worked for about 5-6 days. Now the same problem is back and I looked into the engine to find some hoses soaked and the leaking is behind the left headlight under the hood. What in that area could be the problem leaking? I could not locate the exact location of where the fluid is leaking from. Any suggestions?

 

Thank you for your post, The experts on this will answer your question momentarily

 

Let me rephrase, I know what's leaking, but how do I stop it for good and not a week long lasting "band aid"

 

Antifreeze in the cockpit and fogging windshield shows a heater core leak. Get that fixed quickly because it's toxic and you're breathing it! The leak behind the headlight must be spraying from somewhere else.

 

Pictures are helpful.

Not too sure on the 2002 WJ engine bay layout, but sounds like a loose hose or something. Make sure they are pressed on as far as they go and clamped down good.

And definitely sounds like you have a bad heater core.

 

My WJ had a pinhole leak in the heater hose right at the thermostat and sprayed off the hood, covering the entire engine. I opened the hood when it was running and got a bath!

 

I had a similiar issue (expect the strong anti-freeze odor in the cab) with my 01 GC Limited. It ended up being the water outlet gasket. Located underneath towards the front. I never would of found it until I had the jeep up on a lift when changing out pads and rotors. I just happened to notice how wet everything was, then pinpointed the cause. Swapped out the gasket and no issues so far *knock on wood*.

 

Sounds like you have 2 leaks. One under the hood, and one in the heater core area.

The PO may have overheated it and sold it when he found out the repairs could top $1,500.00.