How to Troubleshoot the Cooling System in a Dodge Intrepid

Deal with cooling system challenges by knowing how your system works. In simple terms, coolant picks up heat when it goes through the engine and releases heat in the radiator. Your cooling devices generally circulate antifreeze, contain it or control its temperature. Troubleshoot the cooling system in a Dodge Intrepid by regularly inspecting cooling system devices.

Instructions

1. Determine if your water pump is leaking. The water pump pushes coolant through the heater core, radiator and engine. A slight smell of antifreeze or spots of coolant under your Intrepid when parked for a short time mean your water pump is leaking.

2. See if your hoses contain cracks, leaks, collapses, or appear dry. This goes for upper and lower radiator hoses, heater and bypass hoses and manifold coolant hoses. Your upper hoses measure about 2 inches wide and transport coolant between the radiator and engine. Damaged hoses result in problems with the cooling system.

3. Look over the antifreeze level. Overheating can result from low antifreeze amounts, so add it to the coolant tank reservoir. Put a 50/50 mixture of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 year, 100,000 Mile Formula and distilled water in your reservoir. This relates to the 2.7L and 3.5L engines.

4. Drain and flush the cooling system when troubleshooting problems. Use caution with the brightly colored sweet smelling antifreeze. It attracts animals and small children so dispose of antifreeze properly. Ingesting coolant can be fatal.

5. Inspect the radiator cap for signs of wear and tear. For example, a damaged cap can erode. Consider getting a mechanic to use a pressure tester or an adapter to inspect the cap's pressure rating and operation. Replace a defective cap right away.

6. Wash and softly scrub the front of your radiator. When you drive, dirt, rocks, leaves and other debris pull into the vents of your radiator. This causes overheating. Clean the radiator front with soapy water and a soft nylon brush. Use a garden hose to rinse it.

7. Test the thermostat for sticking. Two ways to pinpoint a stuck thermostat are constant low temperature readings or peaks between high and normal temperatures. Your thermostat generally sits in the housing on the engine side of the upper radiator hose.