Chrysler PT Cruiser Service & Repair Manual page 272

7 - 36 ENGINE - 2.0/2.4L DOHC
ENGINE - 2.0/2.4L DOHC (Continued)
CONDITION
PRESSURE CAP IS BLOWING
OFF STEAM AND/OR COOLANT
FLOWING INTO RECOVERY
BOTTLE. TEMPERATURE GAUGE
READING MAY BE ABOVE
NORMAL, BUT NOT HIGH.
COOLANT LEVEL MAY BE HIGH
IN RECOVERY BOTTLE.
COOLANT LOSS TO THE
GROUND WITHOUT PRESSURE
CAP BLOWOFF. GAUGE IS
READING HIGH OR HOT.
DETONATION OR PRE-IGNITION
(NOT CAUSED BY IGNITION
SYSTEM). GAUGE MAY OR MAY
NOT BE READING HIGH.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
3. Temperature gauge or Engine
Coolant Temperature 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. Air leak on the suction side of
water pump allows air to build up in
cooling system. This will cause the
thermostat to open late.
1. Pressure relief valve in pressure
cap is defective.
1. Coolant leaks in radiator, cooling
system hoses, water pump or
engine.
1. Engine overheating.
2. Freeze point of coolant not
correct.
CORRECTION
3. Check gauge operation (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
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.
7. (a) Check for cylinder head
gasket leaks using Tool C-3685-A
Block Leak Tester or the equivalent.
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.
9. Locate leak and repair as
necessary.
1. Check condition of pressure cap
and seals (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR PRESSURE
CAP - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Replace as necessary.
1. Pressure test cooling system and
repair as necessary.
1. Check reason for overheating
and repair as necessary.
2. Check the freeze point of the
coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/COOLANT - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). Adjust glycol-to-
water ratio as required.
PT