2008 Chrysler Pacifica Repair Question
Mileage: 66,000 miles.
My car is occasionally overheating and heat turns from hot to cold what could cause this?
Asked by dmarie86Answer
check the antifreeze level, it may be low if it is then have the car checked for leaks. you may have a bad intake/head gasket and leaking internally.
Is the coolant level correct?
the coolant seems to be fine.. it does loose some when it overheats out of the top.. but doesnt seem to be leaking otherwise
have this checked for ahead gasket problem. when you coolant goes low it will cause a no heat condiditon.
I'm going to have checked tomorrow.. now wouldn't there be other signs of a head gasket problem?
not necessarily, other htan a coolant use and heating problems which you are experiencing.
thank you for your time.. I just went to check the fluid because we changed the thermostat yesterday and tapped it off.. the fluid is the same.. the car doesn't over heat until you've driven it for 20min or so.. and usually it starts when its idling and once it moves past 1/2 it goes quickly to hot.. not sure if this changes things?
You might have a stuck thermostat.
that would be ideal.. what about trapped air? rather that then a cracked head.. im hoping for good news only had the car 5mo! warranty is up dealership we got it from is a joke.. not the best choice too late now!
If air is trapped in system, the coolant level in the pressure container would drop when the engine is cold.
This is a description of what would happen.
COOLING-AERATION
Low coolant level in a cross flow radiator will equalize in both tanks with engine off. With engine at running and at operating temperature, the high pressure inlet tank runs full and the low pressure outlet tank drops, resulting in cooling system aeration.
Aeration will draw air into the water pump resulting in the following:
High reading shown on the temperature gauge.
Loss of coolant flow through the heater core.
Corrosion in the cooling system.
Water pump seal may run dry, increasing the risk of premature seal failure.
Combustion gas leaks into the coolant can also cause the above problems.