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 OR STEEP GRADES

Driving techniques that avoid overheating are:

• Idle with A/C off when temperature gauge is at end of normal range.
• Increasing engine speed for more air flow is recommended.

TRAILER TOWING: 

Consult Trailer Towing section of owners manual. Do not exceed limits.

AIR CONDITIONING; ADD-ON OR AFTER MARKET: 

A maximum cooling package should have been ordered with vehicle if add-on or after market A/C is installed. If not, maximum cooling system components should be installed for model involved per manufacturer's specifications.

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).

These charts are to be used as a quick-reference only. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART (Fig 1 to Fig 6 .

Fig 1: Cooling System Diagnosis Chart (1 Of 6)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 2: Cooling System Diagnosis Chart (2 Of 6)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 3: Cooling System Diagnosis Chart (3 Of 6)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 4: Cooling System Diagnosis Chart (4 Of 6)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 5: Cooling System Diagnosis Chart (5 Of 6)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 6: Cooling System Diagnosis Chart (6 Of 6)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.