Chrysler Stratus RHD 1997 Interactive Electronic Service Manual page 251

7 - 12 COOLING SYSTEM
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
CONDITION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
HIGH OR ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES.
COOLANT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
LOST FROM SYSTEM.
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CONT.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
7. Coolant level low in radiator but
not in coolant overflow/reserve
tank. This means the radiator is not
drawing coolant from the coolant
overflow/reserve tank as the engine
cools.
As the engine cools, a vacuum is
formed inside the cooling system. If
the radiator cap seals are defective,
or the cooling system has a leak, a
vacuum can not be formed.
8. Freeze point of coolant not
correct. Mixture may be to rich.
9. Coolant not flowing through
system.
10. Radiator or A/C condenser fins
are dirty or clogged.
11. Radiator core is plugged or
corroded.
12. Fuel or ignition system
problems.
13. Dragging brakes.
14. Bug screen is being used
causing reduced air flow.
15. Thermostat partially or
completely shut. This is more
prevalent on high mileage vehicles.
16. Electric cooling fan not
operating properly.
17. Cylinder head gasket leaking.
18. Heater core leaking.
CORRECTION
7. (a) Check condition of radiator
cap and cap seals. Replace cap if
necessary.
(b) Check condition of filler neck. If
neck is damaged, replace filler
neck.
(c) Check condition of hoses from
filler neck to coolant tank. It should
be tight at both ends without any
kinks or tears. Replace hose if
necessary.
(d) Check coolant overflow/reserve
tank and tank hoses for blockage.
Repair as necessary.
8. Check coolant. Refer to coolant
section in this group. Adjust glycol
to water ratio as required.
9. Check for coolant flow at filler
neck with some coolant removed,
engine warm and thermostat open.
Coolant should be observed flowing
through filler neck. If flow is not
observed determine reason for lack
of flow and repair as necessary.
10. Clean insects or debris.
11. Replace or re-core radiator.
12. Refer to Fuel and Ignition
System group for diagnosis. Also
refer to the appropriate Powertrain
Diagnosis Procedures manual for
operation of the DRB scan tool.
13. Inspect brake system and repair
as necessary. Refer to Group 5,
Brakes for diagnosis.
14. Remove bug screen.
15. Check thermostat operation and
replace as necessary. Refer to
thermostats in this group.
16. Check electric fan operation and
repair as necessary.
17. Check cylinder head gasket for
leaks. Refer to testing cooling
system for leaks. For repairs, refer
to group 9, Engines.
18. Check heater core for leaks.
Refer to Group 24, Heating and Air
Conditioning. Repair as necessary.
JA