Engine Cooling System Overheating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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
STEEP GRADES

Driving techniques that avoid overheating are:

Idle with A/C off when temperature gauge is at end of normal range.

TRAILER TOWING:
Consult TRAILERING under TOWING in owner's manual. Do not exceed limits.
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).
NOTE: If investigation reveals none of the previous items as a cause for an engine overheating complaint, refer to following Cooling System Diagnosis charts.

These charts are to be used as a quick-reference only. Refer to the text for information.