2003 Dodge Neon What is a coolant flush?

Tiny
2CLUMZY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
I just recently got a tune up and my car is still shaking a bit. As I was leaving they added that I am do for a coolant flush, I'm not sure what that is or how long I can last without it.
Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 AT 2:07 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
Coolant flush has almost nothing to do with your engine shaking. Look at the color of your coolant. If it is orange-ish, you are good for up to 100K miles, if it green-ish, then you should flush.

In a nut shell, coolant flush is basically removing MOST of your coolant/antifreeze from the radiator, the engine block, the heater core and the lines, and replacing it with new fluid.

I am more concern with your shaking problem. Can you give a little more descriptive explanation to the problem. Include time of day, idle or driving, intermittent or all the time, etc. The more description you provide, the easier the diagnosis will be.
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Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 AT 11:11 PM
Tiny
2CLUMZY
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The shaking is usually noticeable in the early mornings, about 6am when taking kids to the bus stop, it shakes some during the evening while preparing to head home from work. The colder it is the harder it shakes. I let the car warm up a bit but for the most part the shaking still exists every day. It doesn't shake while I'm driving only while sitting still.
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Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
I am going to assume that the shaking you mention is the engine lopes while idling or idling erratically.

A few things for you to check.
1. Vacuum leak. Check all your vacuum lines, making sure that they are all connected, no frayed or cracked lines. Here is your vacuum diagram


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/55316_neonvacuum_1.jpg



2. Leaking EGR valve
3. Clogged air filter
4. Insufficient fuel pressure

There are other tests that you should do, but let's start with these first. These are the most common.
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Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 AT 9:44 PM

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