Engine Cooling System Overheating
Establish what driving conditions caused the complaint. Abnormal loads on the cooling system such as the following may be the cause:
- Prolonged idle
- Very high ambient temperature
- Slight tail wind at idle
- Slow traffic
- Traffic jams
- High speed
- Trailer towing
- Steep grades
- Any accessory addition that fully or partially blocks the grille opening
Driving techniques that avoid overheating are:
- Idle with A/C off when temperature gauge is at end of normal range.
- TRAILER TOWING:
Consult Trailer Towing section of owners manual. Do not exceed limits.
- RECENT SERVICE OR ACCIDENT REPAIR:
Determine if any recent service has been performed on vehicle that may effect cooling system. This may be:
- Engine adjustments (incorrect timing)
- Slipping engine accessory drive belt(s)
- Brakes (possibly dragging)
- Changed parts. Incorrect water pump, or pump rotating in wrong direction due to 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 below.
These charts are to be used as a quick-reference only.