Overheats, no heat from heater

MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH

MEMBER
2005 DODGE STRATUS
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
163,000 MILES

Purchased car, knowing from self inspection and test drive it had issues. Catalytic converts (confirmed through computerized diagnostic), struts, doors, battery, (and radiator probably) needed replacing. No visible leaks, fluids all clean and well within normal safe ranges. No smoke from exhaust. Cooling fans and thermostat click on and open at normal running temperature. Air works great, yet heater has no heat. Blower motor and blend doors work above par. Some bubbles in overflow reservoir with drain and fill. Have yet to flush and fill and bleed as yet due to battery. All pulleys functioning up to par as well. Might need alternator. Power steering pump and master cylinder are also up to par. No rattle, knock, grinding, groaning, or shaking from engine or automatic transmission. However there is no coolant flow back to radiator. I know the Cat Cons can affect air flow contribute to overheat, and no flow of coolant does. Am I on the right track thinking it's the water pump?

Production date 05/05 Dodge Stratus SXT DOHC 16 valve.

8 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

If you think there is no coolant flow back into the radiator then I suspect you might have an issue with the thermostat being stuck closed and not allowing coolant to flow. Here is a tutorial showing how to remove and replace a thermostat:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace the thermostat on your car. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 10:36 PM

MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH

MEMBER
34 POSTS

Thermostat has been tested and replaced even though the old one works. This has been done twice. There's no circulation period at this point. Thus, the question is as to replacing the water pump, or not. If it's not circulating through the system at all, that is the water pump, am I correct in thinking this?

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Sunday, July 11th, 2021 AT 9:20 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

I noticed it has been a couple of days since you were contacted. Has any progress been made? Also, are you certain there isn't a blockage in the radiator or engine block? Also, a bad water pump will oftentimes make noise. Are there any audible sounds you notice?

I'm asking all these questions because replacing the pump requires the removal of the timing belt, so we need to be sure. And yes, the pump may simply be bad.

I attached the directions below for replacing the pump. Note the first section is simply the pump replacement. The remaining directions are related to the removal and replacement of the timing belt. This would be a good time to replace the belt if you want.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 AT 9:44 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Yes, it's possible you may have a weak or failed water pump not generating coolant to flow through the cooling system. Here is a tutorial showing how to replace a water pump:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump-replacement

I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace the water pump on your Dodge Stratus. Let us know if you have any further questions on this issue. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 AT 9:50 PM

MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH

MEMBER
34 POSTS

Wow. No there is no noise that shouldn't be there. She purrs. So how do I clear a blockage in the engine? I did notice metallic (possible stop leak) residue when I replaced the thermostat. Will flush radiator tonight or tomorrow. That should eliminate a blockage in the radiator granting it flows. Brb.

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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 3:16 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Here is a tutorial showing how to drain and flush the cooling system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Keep us updated and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM

MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH

MEMBER
34 POSTS

Okay, new problem. Camshaft positioning sensor has gone caput. Diagnosed by experts with diagnostic tools and equipment. I've never had to replace one let alone know it's location on her. Flushed her 9 times to get clear water, was running great, heater/air working perfect, until I had to have her towed home when she stalled and wouldn't start again. She showed no symptoms at all before she stalled. No surging, issues starting, or prior stalls. No idle issues either. She's my work in progress.

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Thursday, September 30th, 2021 AT 4:45 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi, Michelle.

I'm sorry to hear you're having new problems. We would be happy to help, but I need to ask a favor. I need you to copy and paste your new question onto a new thread. We try to keep the threads specific to one topic, so it is more helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Here is the link to start a new thread:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

When you post the new question, let us know what codes were found. I'm questioning if the cam sensor would even cause it not to run. Usually, the vehicle will go into a predetermined setting so the engine will run.

I will watch for the new post.

Take care and thanks,

Joe

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Thursday, September 30th, 2021 AT 6:53 PM