Overheating

ONXYROSE

MEMBER
2002 CHRYSLER 300
18,100 MILES

I have an overheating problem with my 2002 300m. I have changed the radiator, radiator cap, water pump and the thermostat thinking each could be the problem, but have not had any success. The car will run for about 10-15 minutes before the temperature will begin to raise. Upon looking in other forums, I have noticed that everyone else says to bleed the air out of the line to ensure proper flow. I have done that as well with no luck. I have also read where someone stated that the oil being low or dirty could cause the vehicle to overheat. Can that really be the case? What other options do I have prior to just giving up and trading the car in?

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 AT 12:33 AM

2 Replies

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

More likely than the oil level, which is a big problem if it is low or dirty, the head gasket may be leaking and the cooling system does not have pressure. You can grab the upper radiator hase after you turn the car off to see if it has pressure. This is a crude test though. The next thing I would do is to see if the exhaust had any smoke coming out and if it was grey or white. Then change the oil and look for milky contamination in the oil.
Lastly, I would have a cooling sytem pressure and leakdown test performaed.
This will denfinately tell you if you have a blown gasket affecting the cooling sytem.
You can always run trouble codes too.

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Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 AT 1:16 AM

DESS DERMONDY

MEMBER
1 POST

If your fans come on when using the A/C but don't come on when your not using the A/C the problem most likely is the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Turning the A/C on this proves your fans work. The motor won't over heat on the highway if this is the problem. If the motor overheats on the highway you have other troubles. The air flow on the highway is enough to keep the motor cool. Around town it is not and you need running fans. Using the A/C will help you get home but do not let the temperature rise above the mid point on the gauge. At this point the motor is about to overheat. Turning the A/C on will turn the fans on for the condenser to cool the refrigerant. Hope this helps future 300M owners it's a common problem.

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Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 AT 5:22 PM