Coolant leak

CATHY YOUNG

MEMBER
2005 DODGE CARAVAN
3.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
148,000 MILES

So about two weeks ago I hear a whiny noise from the engine that increases on acceleration but stops after a few days. Several days later I notice the water was low and that there appeared to be a leak under the radiator. The radiator was replaced and the codes showed the BCM might be going bad. The next day water was again leaking and this time it appears to leak from the water pump gasket to the engine. Is the water pump a coincidence? Or could the BCM be causing multiple failures? Could the code be wrong?

5 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,729 POSTS

You did not say what the fault code number was, but the body computer is not related to the cooling system. Fault codes never say to replace a part or that one is bad. They only indicate the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis, or the unacceptable operating condition.

It was common on the 3.3L to have a noisy water pump. Fortunately they are real easy to replace, and not expensive. Is it possible the leaking water pump was misdiagnosed as a leaking radiator?

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Monday, October 9th, 2017 AT 11:42 PM

CATHY YOUNG

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No, the first leak was in front directly under the radiator. Was told that the radiator fan was not turning on as the culprit. Radiator was still under warranty from being replaced.

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Tuesday, October 10th, 2017 AT 4:59 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,840 POSTS

The radiator fan controller goes bad in these cars all the time. But I cannot see how that would make the coolant leak at the engine.

Here is a guide that can help us pinpoint the coolant leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Below is the fan controller location.

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken

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Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 AT 10:47 AM

CATHY YOUNG

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Took the front wheel off and the new leak is coming from the water pump where it connects to the engine. Could the radiator and water pump failures be coincidence? Can a failing BCM cause cooling system failures?

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Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 AT 12:37 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,950 POSTS

The BCM wouldn't cause cooling issues. However it could be that the leaks are being caused by high pressure in the cooling system. I would top the system up with water, then use a pressure test kit to pump it up to 12-14 psi. Then see what leaks. Then drain the coolant, replace the pump (check the pump gasket area real close for scrapes/cracks) replace the pump and re-test the system. If it now holds pressure for a couple hours you should be fine. If not then it's possible you have a failing head gasket. That would pressurize the system and any weak spots can fail.