Chrysler Stratus RHD 1999 Electronic Service Manual page 223

7 - 12 COOLING SYSTEM
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
CONDITION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
IS INCONSISTENT (FLUCTUATES,
CYCLES OR IS ERRATIC)
POSSIBLE CAUSE
16. Electric cooling fan not
operating properly.
17. Cylinder head gasket leaking.
18. Heater core leaking.
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 is defective
or shorted.
4. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine still running).
5. Gauge reading high after
restarting 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. This will cause
thermostat to open late.
8. Water pump impeller loose on
shaft.
9. Loose drive belt (water pump
slipping).
CORRECTION
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, Engine.
18. Check heater core for leaks.
Refer to Group 24, Heating and Air
Conditioning and repair as
necessary.
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 in
this section.
2. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary.
3. Check operation of gauge and
repair as necessary. Refer to Group
8E, Instrument Panel and Gauges.
4. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge 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 the section.
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 Pump
in this section.
9. Check drive belt and correct as
necessary.
JA