Verify that overheating is not caused by the following conditions:
• | While pulling a trailer that is within the recommended towing weight |
• | After prolonged idle in gear, with the A/C system operating |
• | After prolonged driving in slow city traffic, traffic jams, parades, etc. |
If these conditions can be eliminated as the cause of overheating, refer to the table below.
Possible Cause | Correction | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coolant level or mixture incorrect | Check the coolant mixture and add coolant as necessary. | ||||||||||||||||
Air trapped in cooling system | Refill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling . | ||||||||||||||||
Surge tank outlet hose pinched or kinked, especially at radiator | Relieve kinks by re-routing. Replace the hose if necessary. | ||||||||||||||||
Radiator fins obstructed | Remove or relocate add-on parts that block air to the radiator. Clean away bugs, leaves, etc. In cold climates, clear away snow, etc. from the radiator core. | ||||||||||||||||
Loose, damaged and or missing air seals, deflector or fan shroud | Repair or replace as required. | ||||||||||||||||
Thermostat malfunction - stuck in closed position | Inspect and replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement . | ||||||||||||||||
Cooling fan malfunction | Check the cooling fan for missing fan blades or loose fan belt. Replace the fan if necessary. Refer to Fan Replacement or Condenser Fan Inoperative if equipped with air conditioning. | ||||||||||||||||
Cooling system passages restricted |
| ||||||||||||||||
Incorrect temperature gage reading | Check the temperature gage for proper operation. Connect a Scan Tool to the vehicle and read the system temperature. Compare this reading to the temperature gage. Replace the gage if necessary. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement | ||||||||||||||||
Loss of system pressure Check the following areas for possible leakage:
| Pressure check the system and cap. Ensure the correct cap is being used. | ||||||||||||||||
Malfunctioning coolant pump, eroded or broken impeller blades | Replace the coolant pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement . | ||||||||||||||||
Incorrect radiator | Check the radiator usage chart in a parts catalog. If needed, replace with the correct radiator. |