Overheating and red fluid?

JOAN1961

MEMBER
2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Hello! I have the van listed above that has never had any problems until today. The A/C was on and all of a sudden, the dash thermometer sign illuminates and a warning tone started ringing. The temperature gauge is all the way on H. Since I was 2 miles from my house, I drove home and immediately parked it. There were red drips under the car (in the garage) after I unloaded my groceries and checked under it. Last svc was for an oil change at the dealership about 5,000 miles ago. I checked the coolant level, and it looked empty.

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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 5:37 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

A red liquid sounds like transmission fluid but I know Chrysler has used purple and a reddish coolant. Is there any evidence of coolant leaks? Also, if you add coolant to the system, do you see any leaks? That is where we need to start. I suspect it overheated because of coolant loss. That is in theory at this point.

Take a look through this link and let me know if it helps:

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

Let me know. Also, the best thing to do at this point is to refill the system and see if you notice a leak. If you don't, then we should pressure test the system. You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Follow this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 11:00 PM

Overheating and red fluid?

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