Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual page 299

7 - 12 COOLING
COOLING (Continued)
CONDITION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
READS HIGH OR THE
COOLANT WARNING LAMP
ILLUMINATES. COOLANT MAY
OR MAY NOT BE LOST OR
LEAKING FROM THE COOLING
SYSTEM
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Trailer is being towed, a steep
hill is being climbed, vehicle is
operated in slow moving traffic,
or engine is being idled with
very high ambient (outside)
temperatures and the air
conditioning is on. Higher
altitudes could aggravate these
conditions.
2. Is the temperature gauge
reading correctly?
3. Is the temperature warning
illuminating unnecessarily?
4. Coolant low in coolant
reserve/overflow tank and
radiator?
5. Pressure cap not installed
tightly. If cap is loose, boiling
point of coolant will be lowered.
Also refer to the following Step
6.
6. Poor seals at the radiator
cap.
7. Coolant level low in radiator
but not in coolant reserve/
overflow tank. This means the
radiator is not drawing coolant
from the coolant reserve/
overflow tank as the engine
cools (5.9L).
8. Incorrect coolant
concentration
9. Coolant not flowing through
system
CORRECTION
1. This may be a temporary condition and
repair is not necessary. Turn off the air
conditioning and attempt to drive the
vehicle without any of the previous
conditions. Observe the temperature
gauge. The gauge should return to the
normal range. If the gauge does not return
to the normal range, determine the cause
for overheating and repair. Refer to
Possible Causes (2-18).
2. Check gauge. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -
SCHEMATIC - ELECTRICAL). Repair as
necessary.
3. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - SCHEMATIC -
ELECTRICAL).
4. Check for coolant leaks and repair as
necessary. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
5. Tighten cap
6. (a) Check condition of cap and cap
seals. Refer to Radiator Cap. Replace cap
if necessary.
(b) Check condition of radiator filler neck.
If neck is bent or damaged, replace
radiator (5.9L) or degas bottle (3.7L, 4.7L).
7. (a) Check condition of radiator cap and
cap seals. Refer to Radiator Cap in this
Group. Replace cap if necessary.
(b) Check condition of radiator filler neck.
If neck is bent or damaged, replace
radiator.
(c) Check condition of the hose from the
radiator to the coolant tank. It should fit
tight at both ends without any kinks or
tears. Replace hose if necessary.
(d) Check coolant reserve/overflow tank
and tanks hoses for blockage. Repair as
necessary.
8. Check coolant. (Refer to LUBRICATION
& MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION).
9. Check for coolant flow at radiator filler
neck with some coolant removed, engine
warm and thermostat open. Coolant
should be observed flowing through
radiator. If flow is not observed, determine
area of obstruction and repair as
necessary.
DR