2003 Dodge Caravan

SEPTRIBE10

MEMBER
2003 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
144,500 MILES

I'm getting some steam coming from around the radiator cap area, but not a whole lot, seems to be more noticable when at stop light or stuck in traffic. Engine light is not on and temp gauge is reading normal, not showing any sign of any overheating. Have replaced radiator cap, coolant has been changed and thermostat replaced, problem better but not all the way gone. Seems like it happens most when heater is running and I say this because with the cold I have been running the heater lately, never had any overheating problems in the summer time. I do remember also that when I went in for oil changes the past few times they told me my anti freeze was low but I didn't think much of it because I didn't see any leaks, and how can radiator be over heating and it not show on the temp gauge?

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

IT's possible the gauge may not be reading correctly. The is a coolant temp sensor that provides a reading for the gauge to react to. The coolant may not get low enough to register a problem on the gauge. There are cooling fans the kick on as needed to provide additional cooling that cools the hot coolant in the radiator.

I think you may want to have the cooling system presrre tested and checked for a possible leak. It may be leaking so slow that it may never reach the ground. IT is also possible that the coolant can be leaking internal, but doesn't sound like it in this case.

Since you do see some vapors around the cap area, there maybe a seam leak at the radiator.