I have a 2003 Ford Escort my defrost heater runs cold and smells like antifreeze. What is wrong.

the smell is a leak in the cooling system. check the coolant level first. it may be the heater core.

look at your question, you mention cold twice. was there one that should have been hot??

Roy

run your heater and check for leaks under pass. dash can see it leak feel for wet carpet.. and check hoses that run through the fire wall should be two hoses going through.. make sure you let it run for about 10 minutes or till the temp goes up so you know you have pressure in the cooling system..

Most likely the heater core.