Chrysler Dodge Caravan 2002 Manual page 267

7 - 18 ENGINE
ENGINE (Continued)
CONDITION
COOLANT COLOR
COOLANT LEVEL CHANGES IN
COOLANT BOTTLE.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS IN
NORMAL RANGE.
Refer to (Fig. 1) when using the TEMPERATURE
GAUGE INDICATION DIAGNOSIS CHART.
CONDITION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
IS INCONSISTENT (FLUCTUATES,
CYCLES OR IS ERRATIC).
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Coolant color is not necessarily
an indication of adequate corrosion
or temperature protection. Do not
rely on coolant color for determining
condition of coolant.
1. Level changes are to be
expected as coolant volume
fluctuates with engine temperature.
The coolant level will also drop as
the system removes air from a
recent filling.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATION DIAGNOSIS CHART
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Normal reaction to fan and/or
thermostat cycle (Fig. 1 ),
Examples B and C. During cold
weather operation with the heater
blower in the high position, the
gauge reading may drop slightly
(Fig. 1 ), Example D. Fluctuation is
also influenced by outside
temperature and heavy loads (Fig.
1 ), Example E.
2. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine still running)
(Fig. 1 ), Example F.
3. Gauge reading high after
restarting a warmed-up (hot)
engine.
4. Temperature gauge or engine
coolant temperature sensor
defective or shorted. Also, corroded
or loose wiring in the electrical
circuit.
CORRECTION
1. Check the freeze point of the
coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/COOLANT - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) Adjust the ethylene
glycol-to-water ratio as necessary.
1. A normal condition. No repair is
necessary.
CORRECTION
1. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary.
2. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. Gauge reading should
return to normal range (Fig. 1 ),
Example A, after vehicle is driven.
3. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range (Fig. 1 ),
Example A, after a few minutes of
engine operation.
4. Check operation of gauge or
engine coolant temperature sensor
and repair, if necessary.
RS