2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Tiny
KEYAWOODS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,300 MILES
About 3 weeks ago I noticed that my car has been running hot. While I am driving it is fine, but when I stop at a red light or at a drive through window it runs hot. I have also noticed a burning smell coming from underneath the hood. I am not sure where to even begin and being a woman as soon as I go to a mechanic they get excited so that they can rip me off as they have been doing. Please let me know where I should begin in this matter. Thanks for all of your help
Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 12:42 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Open hood engine running do the cooling fans come on right behind radiator between engine?
Turn AC on do fans come on?
Let me know
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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 12:56 PM
Tiny
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The fan does come on
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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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Any coolant loss?
Notice any white smoke from tailpipe on A.M. Start up?
Has system been flushed and refilled recently?
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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
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There is no coolant loss or white smoke from tail pipe. I think system flush was done in February 2008
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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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Does your gague go to hot? Or is it the smell that makes you think it is hot? If so an oil leak on the exhaust will cause this. Like valve cover
Do you see any signs oil is on the engine?
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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
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Oil could very well be on the engine there was an oil leak that was fixed a few months ago but the engine was never washed off. However, trhe gauge does go to hot
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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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The fan not comming on is 99% always the problem.
Next time you drive make sure fan is on it could be an intermittent failue of the relay. Only thing I can think of is radiator cooling ability reduced. Is there leaves etc. Blocking air flow? Do you have one of those buig screens on the front?
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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 1:55 PM

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