Posted: 3/30/2010 12:19:11 PM EDT
| I have a 2002 300M special edition from Chrysler. The problem is that it is having overheating problems. All I have to do to keep the car at the correct running temperature is to turn on the heat full blast on high heat. During the winter this wasn't an issue because I don't work far from my home and I don't drive the car much so I could do this and be comfortable while I delayed the inevitable separation of my money. Now, it is starting to warm up and I can forsee where this will become a BIG issue. So, anyone have any ideas? The things that I have thought of are the thermostat sticking, water pump or radiator problems, and one of the two fans being out. However, if someone has an idea so I can tell if I am getting clubbed when I take it in I would greatly appreciate the help. |
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collapsed hoses
stuck thermostat pump bad fan or fan controller/switch bad temp sensor/sender there's not a whole lot of parts to a cooling system. When the car is cold, open the radiator cap. (do this when its hot and your next post will be from the burn ward) Fire up the car and let it get up to temp. Do you see water flowing through the radiator? Do the fans kick on - ever? |
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Had a similar problem in my PT Cruiser. It was the fan high/low thermostat and switch. Because it's all integrated crap, they had to replace the whole fan of course. My shop is pretty honest and got me the OEM fan which was only $400 rather than the exact same fan in a box that said Chrysler on it for $500.
Replacement has been good for several years now. |
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Stop by Harbor Fright and get one of those $30 infrared scanner things. (shoots out a lazer beam to amuse the dogs too)
Then get to know your car's heating patterns. Start with the radiator, work the gun sideways (from inlet to out let) then up and down. Play with the temp at the thermostat housing, then the upper (Outlet) hose..... As the thermostat opens, you'll see the temp on the hose (upper - inlet) start to go higher .... if it don't you'all got a place to start. You'll also see the lower tubes of the radiator are cooler? 'Cause there starting to plug up? I think you can find a 20% off coupon on the 'net for them. H/F owner got enough money 
(They're fun to play with at the range too) |
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From your description it sounds like a thermostat. Replace it with a quality or OEM thermostat. Carefully inspect all hoses and connections for leaks. Once you know the thermostat is working and you have flushed the cooling system check the cooling fan operation. http://alldatadiy.com is worth it for DIYer. It's possible your water pump impeller has broken. The dealer or a good independent shop should be able to find the problem or find a TSB on the problem. A clogged radiator usually takes a long time to overheat. |
| I am taking it in. I am not a mechanic and I don't have the time to make myself one. Today I couldn't get it to 55mph without having a problem which is a problem on the interstate. Since the temperature is now almost 80 now the heat having to be turned all the way up is a pain even with a nice breeze! I will update you next week once I find out what is going on. |
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There was a TSB on my vehicle for an additional valve to be put on the coolant system –– air bubbles were building up.
See if you can check with a dealership and see if something like this isn't present. Oftentimes, TSB's are out there for a lot of common issues. |