Recent Service Or Accident Repair:
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Sprinter. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Determine if any recent service has been performed on vehicle that may effect cooling system. This may be:
- Engine adjustments
- Slipping engine accessory drive belt(s)
- Brakes (possibly dragging)
- Changed parts. Incorrect water pump or pump rotating in wrong direction due to accessory drive belt not correctly routed
- Reconditioned radiator or cooling system refilling (possibly under filled or air trapped in system).
NOTE:
If investigation reveals none of the previous items as a cause for an engine overheating complaint, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART .
These charts are to be used as a quick-reference only.
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS LOW | 1. Vehicle is equipped with a heavy duty cooling system. | 1. None. System operating normally. |
| 2. Temperature gauge not connected | 2. Connect gauge. | |
| 3. Temperature gauge connected but not operating. | 3. Check gauge. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) | |
| 4. Coolant level low. | 4. Fill cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . | |
| TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS HIGH. COOLANT MAY OR MAY NOT BE LEAKING FROM SYSTEM | 1. Vehicle overloaded, high ambient (outside) temperatures with A/C turned on, stop and go driving or prolonged operation at idle speeds. | 1. Temporary condition, repair not required. Notify customer of vehicle operation instructions located in Owners Manual. |
| 2. Temperature gauge not functioning correctly. | 2. Check gauge. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) | |
| 3. Air trapped in cooling | 3. Drain cooling system and refill. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . | |
| 4. Radiator cap faulty. | 4. Replace radiator cap. | |
| 5. Plugged A/C or radiator cooling fins. | 5. Clean all debris away from A/C and radiator cooling fins. | |
| 6. Coolant mixture incorrect. | 6. Drain cooling system and refill with correct mixture. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . | |
| 7. Thermostat stuck shut. | 7. Replace thermostat. | |
| 8. Bug screen or winter front being used. | 8. Remove bug screen or winter front. | |
| 9. Viscous fan drive not operating properly. | 9. Check viscous fan. | |
| 10. Cylinder head gasket leaking. | 10. Check for leaking head gaskets. (Refer to COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) . | |
| 11. Heater core leaking. | 11. Replace heater core. | |
| 12. Cooling system hoses leaking. | 12. Tighten clamps or Replace hoses. | |
| 13. Brakes dragging. | 13. Check brakes. Refer to BRAKES - BASE . | |
| TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING INCONSISTENT (ERRATIC, CYCLES OR FLUCTUATES) | 1. Heavy duty cooling system, extreme cold ambient (outside) temperature or heater blower motor in high position. | 1. None. System operating normally. |
| 2. Temperature gauge or gauge sensor defective. | 2. Check gauge. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) | |
| 3. Temporary heavy usage or load. | 3. None. Normal condition. | |
| 4. Air trapped in cooling system. | 4. Fill cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . | |
| 5. Water pump | 5. Replace water pump. | |
| 6. Air leak on suction side of water pump. | 6. Check for leak. (Refer to COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) . | |
| RADIATOR CAP LEAKING STEAM AND/OR COOLANT INTO RESERVOIR BOTTLE. (TEMPERATURE GAUGE MAY READ HIGH) | 1. Radiator cap defective. | 1. Replace radiator cap. |
| 2. Radiator neck surface damaged. | 2. Replace radiator. | |
| HOSE OR HOSES COLLAPSE WHEN ENGINE IS COOLING. | 1. Vacuum created in cooling system on engine cool-down is not being relieved through coolant reservoir/overflow system. | 1. Replace radiator cap, check vent hose between radiator and reservoir bottle for blockage also check reservoir bottle vent for blockage. |
| NOISY FAN | 1. Fan blade(s) loose, damaged. | 1. Replace fan blade assembly. |
| 2. Thermal viscous fan drive. | 2. None. Normal condition. | |
| 3. Fan blades striking surrounding objects. | 3. Locate contact point and repair as necessary. | |
| 4. Thermal viscous fan drive bearing. | 4. Replace viscous fan drive assembly. | |
| 5. Obstructed air flow through radiator. | 5. Remove obstruction. | |
| INADEQUATE AIR CONDITIONER PERFORMANCE (COOLING SYSTEM SUSPECTED) | 1. Radiator and/or A/C condenser air flow obstructed. | 1. Remove obstruction and/or clean. |
| 2. Thermal viscous fan drive not working. | 2. Check fan drive. | |
| 3. Air seals around radiator damaged or missing. | 3. Inspect air seals, repair or replace as necessary. | |
| INADEQUATE HEATER PERFORMANCE. GAUGE MAY OR MAY NOT READ LOW. | 1. Heavy duty cooling system, and cooler ambient temperatures. | 1. None. Normal condition. |
| 2. Obstruction in heater hoses. | 2. Remove hoses, remove obstruction. | |
| 3. Water pump damaged. | 3. Replace water pump. | |
| HEAT ODOR | 1. Damaged or missing drive line heat shields. | 1. Repair or replace damaged or missing heat shields. |
| 2. Thermal viscous fan drive damaged. | 2. Check thermal viscous fan drive. |