Recent Service Or Accident Repair:
Determine if any recent service has been performed on vehicle that may affect the cooling system. This may be:
- 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).
If investigation reveals none of the previous items as a cause for an engine overheating complaint, refer to the COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART below.
These charts are to be used as a quick-reference only.
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS LOW
NOTE:
Information on dash cluster is displayed based on broadcast data from PCM. DTC will be set for engine sensor circuit issues. |
1. Vehicle is equipped with a heavy duty cooling system | 1. None. System operating normally. |
| 2. Thermostat stuck open | 2. Inspect and test thermostat. | |
| 3. Coolant level low | 3. Fill cooling system. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FILLING . | |
| 4. Temperature gauge not functioning correctly | 4. Check cluster. Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER . | |
| 5. Engine sensor stuck in range | 5. Monitor sensor with scan tool to verify sensor reading changes with increasing temperature. | |
| 6. Engine sensor failed out of range | 6. A DTC will be set. | |
| TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS HIGH. COOLANT MAY OR MAY NOT BE LEAKING FROM SYSTEM
NOTE:
Temperature information displayed on dash cluster and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) are based on broadcast data from PCM. If engine temperatures exceed thresholds, power is reduced and a message of 'Oil Temp High - Speed May be Reduced' is displayed on the EVIC. |
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. Electronically controlled Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) fan not functioning correctly | 2. Troubleshoot and if necessary repair the electronically controlled PWM fan. | |
| 3. Temperature gauge not functioning correctly | 3. Check cluster. Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER . | |
| 4. Air trapped in cooling system | 4. Drain and refill cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . | |
| 5. Ineffective radiator cap | 5. Replace radiator cap. | |
| 6. Plugged A/C or radiator cooling fins | 6. Clean all debris away from A/C and radiator cooling fins. | |
| 7. Coolant mixture incorrect | 7. Drain cooling system and refill with correct mixture. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . | |
| 8. Thermostat stuck shut | 8. Inspect and test thermostat. | |
| 9. Bug screen or winter front being used | 9. Remove bug screen or winter front. | |
| 10. Cylinder head gasket leaking | 10. Check for leaking head gaskets. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS . | |
| 11. Heater core leaking | 11. Replace heater core. Refer to CORE, HEATER, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION . | |
| 12. Cooling system hoses leaking | 12. Tighten the clamps or replace the hoses. | |
| 13. Brakes dragging | 13. Check brakes. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING . | |
| 14. Accessory drive belt | 14. Inspect and replace as necessary. | |
| 15. Water Pump | 15. Inspect and replace as necessary. | |
| 16. Engine sensor stuck in range | 16. Monitor sensor with scan tool to verify sensor reading changes increase in temperature. | |
| 17. Temperature sensor failed - Too High | 17. Clear the existing overheat fault. Drive the vehicle until thermostat opens. Verify that fault code does not return and coolant does not reach threshold of 230 degrees F. | |
| TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING INCONSISTENT (ERRATIC, CYCLES OR FLUCTUATES)
NOTE:
Information on dash cluster is displayed based on broadcast data from PCM. DTC will be set for engine sensor circuit issues. |
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 sensor inoperative | 2. Check cluster or engine coolant temp sensor. Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER . | |
| 3. Temporary heavy usage or load | 3. None. Normal condition. | |
| 4. Air trapped in cooling system | 4. Fill cooling system. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FILLING . | |
| 5. Water pump | 5. Replace water pump. | |
| 6. Air leak on suction side of water pump | 6. Check for leak. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS . | |
| RADIATOR CAP LEAKING STEAM AND OR COOLANT INTO RESERVOIR BOTTLE. (TEMPERATURE GAUGE MAY READ HIGH) | 1. Radiator cap ineffective | 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 the fan assembly. |
| 2. Fan blades striking surrounding objects | 2. Locate contact point and repair as necessary. | |
| 3. Obstructed air flow through radiator | 3. Remove the 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. Electronically controlled Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) fan not working | 2. Check electronic PWM fan. | |
| 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 exhaust system heat shields | 1. Repair or replace damaged or missing exhaust system heat shields. |