2004 Dodge Ram Running a little warm

CHAD98

MEMBER
2004 DODGE RAM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

My 2004 Dodge Ram seems to be running a bit warmer than normal. I did a coolant flush, hoping it would solve the problem but it did not. The temperature gauge reads a notch above the normal mark no matter the temperature outside. In the winter months it still did this. Before I go throwing a bunch of parts at it, I would like to get an opinion on what could be wrong. The truck is not leaking any coolant at all by the way. Thanks so much!

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

Hi chad98. Welcome to the forum. A quick way to be sure you actually have a problem is to find someone with a hand-held computer called a scanner to plug in and read the sensor values while driving. Read, in particular, the coolant temperature sensor's value. The readout will be in volts and degrees. If you see around 195 - 200 degrees, you have nothing to worry about.

Another clue is if your gauge reads the same at highway speeds when there is plenty of air flow. If the gauge only reads higher at slow speeds when air flow is reduced, I would suspect the fan clutch. One hint it is working properly is it will be very noisy when the engine is still cold. There will be a loud roaring noise. While you listen to it with the hood open, it will become real quiet when it starts to engage.

Caradiodoc