Chrysler Stratus RHD 1997 Interactive Electronic Service Manual page 252

JA
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
CONDITION
TEMPERAUTRE GAUGE READING
IS INCONSISTENT (FLUCTUATES,
CYCLES OR IS ERRATIC)
PRESSURE CAP IS BLOWING
OFF STEAM AND/OR COOLANT
TO COOLANT TANK.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
MAY BE ABOVE NORMAL BUT
NOT HIGH. COOLANT LEVEL MAY
BE HIGH IN COOLANT RESERVE/
OVERFLOW TANK
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CONT.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. The gauge may cycle up and
down. This is due to the cycling of
the electric radiator fan.
2. During cold weather operation,
with the heater blower in the high
position, the gauge reading may
drop slightly.
3. Temperature gauge or engine
mounted gauge sensor defective or
shorted. Also, corroded or loose
wiring in this circuit.
4. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine is still running).
5. Gauge reading high after
re-starting a warmed-up (hot)
engine.
6. Coolant level low in radiator (air
will build up in the cooling system
causing the thermostat to open
late).
7. Cylinder head gasket leaking
allowing exhaust gas to enter
cooling system causing thermostat
to open late.
8. Water pump impeller loose on
shaft.
9. Loose accessory drive belt
(water pump slipping).
10. Air leak on suction side of water
pump allows air to build up in
cooling system causing thermostat
to open late.
1. Pressure relief valve in radiator
cap is defective.
COOLING SYSTEM
CORRECTION
1. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. If gauge cycling is
going into the hot zone, check
electric fan operation and repair as
necessary. Refer to procedure
outlined in this section.
2. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary.
3. Check operation of gauge and
repair if necessary. Refer to Group
8E, Instrument Panel and Gauges
4. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. Gauge reading should
return to normal range after vehicle
is driven.
5. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range after a few
minutes of engine operation.
6. Check and correct coolant leaks.
Refer to Testing Cooling System for
Leaks in this group.
7. (a) Check for cylinder head
gasket leaks with a commercially
available Block Leak Tester. Repair
as necessary.
(b) Check for coolant in the engine
oil. Inspect for white steam emitting
from exhaust system. Repair as
necessary.
8. Check water pump and replace
as necessary. Refer to Water
Pumps in this group.
9. Refer to Engine Accessory Drive
Belts in this group. Check and
correct as necessary.
10. Locate leak and repair as
necessary.
1. Check condition of radiator cap
and cap seals. Refer to Radiator
Caps in this group. Replace cap as
necessary.
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