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Pinpoint Test 2: The Engine Overheats

PINPOINT TEST 2: ENGINE OVERHEATS

PINPOINT TEST 2 THE ENGINE OVERHEATS
STEP INSPECTION ACTION
1 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
NOTE:
  • If the engine is hot, allow the engine to cool before proceeding.
  • Key OFF.
    WARNING:
    • To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
  • Check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle.
  • Is the engine coolant OK? 
 Yes Go to next step.
No REFILL the engine coolant at the degas bottle. GO to PINPOINT TEST 1: LOSS OF COOLANT  .
2 CHECK THE COOLANT CONDITION
  • Check the coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion, or discoloration.
  • Is the coolant condition OK? 
 Yes Go to next step.
No FLUSH the engine cooling system. See COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING (2.3L) or COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING (3.0L) . TEST the system for normal operation.
3 CHECK FOR AN AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION
  • Inspect the A/C condenser core and radiator for obstructions such as leaves or dirt.
  • Is there an obstruction? 
 Yes REMOVE the obstruction. CLEAN the A/C condenser core and radiator. TEST the system for normal operation.
No Go to next step.
4 CHECK THERMOSTAT OPERATION
  • Start the engine and allow the engine to run for 10 minutes.
  • Key OFF.
  • Feel the upper and lower radiator hose.
  • Are the upper and lower radiator hoses cold? 
 Yes REPLACE the thermostat. See THERMOSTAT AND THERMOSTAT HOUSING - 2.3L or THERMOSTAT - 3.0L (4V) .
TEST the system for normal operation.
No Go to next step.
5 CHECK THE COOLING FAN OPERATION
  • Key in OFF position.
  • Using the diagnostic tool, command the cooling fans ON in low and high speeds.
  • Do the fans operate in all speeds? 
 Yes Go to next step.
No For 2.3L, GO to PINPOINT TEST 4: ENGINE COOLING FAN(S) INOPERATIVE/INCORRECT OPERATION - 2.3L  .
For 3.0L, GO to PINPOINT TEST 5: THE BLOCK HEATER DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY  .
6 CHECK COOLANT PUMP OPERATION
  • Visually inspect coolant pump for rotation and damage.
  • Is the coolant pump OK? 
 Yes See SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - ENGINE  .
No REPLACE the coolant pump. TEST the system for normal operation.
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