Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
DEFINITION: The engine temperature lamp comes on and stays on, the temperature gauge shows hot or coolant overflows from the coolant recovery reservoir onto the ground while the engine is running. | |||
1 | Check for a missing or damaged radiator upper baffle and/or center air deflector. Is the baffle or deflector missing or damaged? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 2 |
2 | Check for a loss of coolant. Is there a loss of coolant? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 4 |
3 | Fill the system to the specified level. Refer to Loss of Coolant . Does the engine overheat? | Go to Step 4 | System OK |
4 | Check for low coolant protection. Is the coolant to the correct correction? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 8 |
5 | Check for a loss of system pressure. Is there a loss of system pressure? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6 |
6 | Check for a faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Refer to DTC P0117 and DTC P0118 in Engine Controls - 3.5L. Is the sensor operating properly? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 8 |
7 | Check for a cracked coolant recovery reservoir or a leaking hose. Refer to Loss of Coolant . Is the reservoir cracked or is the hose leaking? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 3 |
8 | Repair or install new parts as necessary, then retest. Does the engine overheat? | Go to Step 9 | System OK |
9 | Check for incorrect drive belt tension. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L. Is the belt to the correct tension? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 8 |
10 | Correct for damaged water pump driveshaft. Is the water pump driveshaft damaged or is the seal leaking? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 11 |
11 | Check for obstructed radiator air flow or bent radiator fins. Is the radiator air flow obstructed? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 12 |
12 | Check for blocked cooling system passages. Are the cooling system passages blocked? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 13 |
13 | Check for improper direction or inoperative cooling fans. Refer to Engine Coolant Fan Motor Replacement . Are the cooling fans and the motors operating correctly? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 8 |
14 | Check the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis . Is the thermostat stuck in the closed position? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 16 |
15 | Replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement . Does the engine overheat? | Go to Step 16 | System OK |
16 | Check for faulty water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement . Are the impeller blades broken or eroded? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 17 |
17 | Check the radiator cooling capacity. Is the proper sized radiator being used on the vehicle? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 18 |
18 | Consult the current parts catalog. If necessary, replace the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement . Is the repair complete? | System OK | -- |
