Van runs hot

LISA ALAMEDA

MEMBER
1995 DODGE CARAVAN
3.0L
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
136,000 MILES

My van is running hot, well, slightly off normal. I have had the water pump replaced because it was causing a leak, had the radiator cap replaced, replaced the thermostat, and the oil pressure sensor because it was going bad. Also had the coolant system flushed, but still she runs hot. I am wondering if my coolant temperature sensor could be the culprit. I am assuming the thermostat and the coolant temperature sensor are two different things, and would like to know where the coolant temperature sensor is located so I can take a look at it.

4 Replies

LISA ALAMEDA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Oh, also how would I tell if my radiator fans work? I have changed the relays and if I idle it long enough they kick on, but are they suppose to come on like when I am at a stop sign or something? Thank you much :)

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2016 AT 1:27 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Fans only come on when it gets hot enough to or air conditioner is on. How hot is hot? You are saying slightly off normal, so check radiator with engine off and fans disconnected for cold spots if there are any then radiator is shot. Also is coolant level dropping? If not I would not worry about it until it goes over to H if it does now then get it checked for head gaskets.

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Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 AT 7:00 AM

LISA ALAMEDA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It doesn't quite make it to the half way mark. Usually it is just off the line before halfway, in town after several stop and goes and driving under 55 it moves closer to the half way mark line. The coolant level is fine, just had the radiator/coolant flushed because I had suspected an air bubble in my system after my water pump was replaced, which had caused a coolant leak that last about 2 months.

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Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 AT 8:37 PM

HMAC300