Cooling System
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.
| 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. |