2001 Dodge Caravan Engine running hotter than normal

PAUL SHROCK

MEMBER
2001 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

Our Grand Caravan has a 3.3L engine. The check engine light was on intermittently and the dealer said it was due to the thermostat not controlling. I flushed the radiator and replaced the thermostat. It is still running hotter than normal (needle in the middle of the gauge when its normally at 1/3). At about 80,000 miles it did the same thing and the transmission ended up failing (torque converter). Although the engine light is not on I think I still have a problem. What else can it be? Water pump (what would the symptoms be)? The transmission again? Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated.

3 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

Do you have coolant in the tranny, or tranny fluid in the coolant. Get the vehicle scanned for trouble codes, what codes show up. Write back to me on this topic with them in P**** format that way I can help you.

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Thursday, March 12th, 2009 AT 2:51 PM

PAUL SHROCK

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I did not see radiator fluid in the coolant or vice versa (what would this have meant?). The maintenance codes are P0455 evaporative system leak
P1193 inlet air temp sensor

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Friday, March 13th, 2009 AT 1:46 PM

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

P0455 indicates
A loose or improperly affixed gas cap or a damaged gas cap

or Other leak or damaged piece in EVAP system

i would replace gas cap and take in vehicle for a vaccum leak test for that code. The next one

P1193
check the intake air temp sensor and the wirings, make sure sensor is good, compare its resistance values to that of the coolant temp sensor.

Check to make sure wire is hooked up. Disconnect battery and then reattach and run after fixing codes.

Problem gone?

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Monday, March 16th, 2009 AT 9:56 PM