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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Vehicle overheating

Tiny
BILLY007
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,000 MILES
Hey. The past week or so my car overheated after driving a while. Now, the tempurature gauge goes up at a stop light or when the car is idling. As I drive the needle goes down. I thought it was the thermostat but a mechanic friend of mine told me it might be the heating core. As that is very expensive I was hoping you might be able to tell me what else might be causing this. I read about testing the thermostat in hot water and will try this, but what else can cause this? I'm sorry but I don't have a credit card and not much on my debit or my donation would be bigger. Give me a week or so and I will gladly donate a bigger amount.
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 8:42 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello Billy007

The reason the needle goes down when driving is because air is blowing through the cooling fan and because of the vehicle speed. And when you stop at the traffic light or when idling it overheat.
What you need to do is to check if the fan comes on when the temperature on the gauge reach 200 or 230 degrees.
Let me know what happens.
(We are here to help. One time donation is enough)
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 11:17 PM
Tiny
BILLY007
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks. This morning had to run child to school. Car overheated worse. In the red. Sounded like thermostat was rattling. Had heat blowing on high. But no heat coming out, just cold air. Did drop the needle down. Does it still sound like the fan or would it be a thermostat. Trying to save some money here. Hoping it's not the heating coil.
Please help.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello Billy007

It seem like there is a blockage in the cooling system,
take your car to a shop and ask them to flush the heater core.
That should not be expensive.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 1:12 PM
Tiny
BILLY007
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hey. Really appreciate that. Let me ask you about how much you think that should run me, so I know shop isn't trying to #@& me.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 3:53 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
One thing I would like to ask you.
Run your car until the engine start to overheat.
Open the hood, locate the radiator upper hose and touch it. Report to me if you feel flow of coolant.
If there there is no flow when engine overheat, the thermostat is the problem.
If you feel the flow of coolant, look if the fan is coming on.
Report to me if it does or not.
Next, locate the two hoses that goes to the heater core. Both should feel hot. If one is hot and the other is cold, the heater might be plug and that is why you do get cold air blowing.
Tell me what you have found and I will tell you how long it should take to fix it.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 10:59 PM
Tiny
BILLY007
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Did what you said. Found out thermostat was bad because water pump broken. Antifreeze also leaking out of car. Put on new thermostat. Getting ready to change water pump, will change timing chain or belt at the same time. Just need a few pointers on how to chang a water pump. I think I basically know how but could use a few step by steps. I really appreciate you hangin in there with me these few days with all the helpful info you've been giving. Thanks.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2010 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello Billy007

Thank you for using 2carpros.com

Here is the removal and installation of the water pump.
Remove or disconnect the following:
Negative battery cable
Timing belt
Camshaft sprockets
Rear timing belt cover
Water pump and discard the O-ring


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_water_pump_2.jpg



Installation

Apply dielectric grease to the new O-ring before installation
Before proceeding, be sure the O-ring gasket is properly seated in the water pump groove before tightening the screws. An improperly installed O-ring could cause a coolant leak.

New O-ring in the water pump groove

Water pump and torque the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm)
Rotate the pump by hand to check for freedom of movement.
Rear timing belt cover
Camshaft sprockets
Timing belt(good idea to change this while you're there)

Negative battery cable

Fill the cooling system.

Start the vehicle and check for leaks
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Thursday, February 18th, 2010 AT 10:00 AM

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