The engine may overheat due to an intermittent operation of the thermostat.
Step  | Action  | Values  | Yes  | No  | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DEFINITION: Engine temperature lamp comes ON and stays ON, or the temperature gage shows hot, or coolant overflows from the coolant recovery reservoir onto the ground while the engine is running.  | ||||||||||
1  | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?  | --  | Go to Step 2  | |||||||
2  | Inspect the coolant recovery reservoir for low coolant. Is there a loss of coolant?  | --  | Go to Loss of Coolant  | Go to Step 3  | ||||||
3  | 
 Important: Do not allow the engine temperature to exceed the specified value. Start the engine and allow to reach normal operating temperature. Does the engine begin to exceed the specified value?  | 107°C (225°F)  | Go to Step 4  | Go to Diagnostic Aids  | ||||||
4  | Inspect for loose, damaged, and/or missing of the following: 
 
 
 Repair the system as necessary. Does the engine still overheat?  | --  | Go to Step 5  | Go to Step 17  | ||||||
5  | Using the J 23688 Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester, test for insufficient coolant concentration. Is the coolant protection greater than the specified value?  | -37°C (-34°F)  | Go to Step 6  | Go to Step 7  | ||||||
6  | Correct the coolant concentration as necessary. Does the engine still overheat?  | --  | Go to Step 7  | Go to Step 17  | ||||||
7  | Inspect for obstructed radiator air flow or bent radiator fins. Is the radiator air flow obstructed?  | --  | Go to Step 8  | Go to Step 9  | ||||||
8  | Clean the radiator. Refer to Radiator Cleaning . Does the engine still overheat?  | --  | Go to Step 9  | Go to Step 17  | ||||||
9  | Inspect the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis or Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis . Is the drive belt tensioner working properly and is the tension correct?  | --  | Go to Step 11  | Go to Step 10  | ||||||
10  | Replace the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement or Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement . Does the engine still overheat?  | --  | Go to Step 11  | Go to Step 17  | ||||||
11  | Inspect the thermostat for proper operation. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis . Does the thermostat operate properly?  | --  | Go to Step 13  | Go to Step 12  | ||||||
12  | Replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement . Does the engine still overheat?  | --  | Go to Step 13  | Go to Step 17  | ||||||
13  | Inspect for an inoperative fan clutch. Refer to Fan Clutch Diagnosis . Does the engine still overheat?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | Go to Step 17  | ||||||
14  | Inspect for blocked cooling system passages. Are the cooling system passages blocked?  | --  | Go to Step 15  | Go to Step 16  | ||||||
15  | Replace the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement . Does the engine still overheat?  | --  | Go to Step 16  | Go to Step 17  | ||||||
16  | Replace the engine water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement . Did you complete the repair?  | --  | Go to Step 17  | --  | ||||||
17  | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?  | --  | System OK  | Go to Step 2  | ||||||