I don't know what is wrong with my car.?

Question

I have a 95 Jeep Cherokee Sport. It has wayyyy more miles on it than it should and still runs well.... but the engine temperature gauge always says it's about to over heat.
It could be anything, but I figure it's either the thermostat or the radiator.
I'm afraid to get the car looked at cause I can't afford even a diagnostic test.
Can someone tell me if there's something I can check myself to see what the problem might be?
I've already spent way too much on wear and tear repairs, so if someone could point me in the right direction, that would be great.

Answer 1

Radiator - Are you leaking fluid? Check the coolant level (never open the radiator when it's hot). It the coolant level is ok then (unless the radiator is clogged) the radiator is probably ok.

Cooling fan - Is it working? With the engine running look (don't touch) at the cooling fans. If they aren't working, try turning on the AC. If that doesn't work, check the fuses and relays.

Thermostat - An easy way to check is to see if the coolant hose running to the engine gets extremely hot. (Be careful) If it is, there is a good chance the coolant isn't flowing out of the engine block.

Water Pump - Often leaks when it goes, but not always. It could also be the reason the fluid doesn't flow. I would replace it if all else fails.

Are you keeping a up with the norml maint? Oil changes, air filter, transmission fluid, etc. These can effect engine temp if ignored too long.

Answer 2

It could be a number of things. You're thermostat could be bad, your water pump may have quit, you could have a coolant leak somewhere... If you can find & remove your thermostat you can test it yourself. Once you've removed it take it to the kitchen & drop it into a pot of water with a cooking thermometer, then turn on the heat. Watch the themostat closely, it should open up around the 180-220 degree F mark, if it doesn't then it's done for. if it does open somewhere in that range it's working & you can re-install it. Also, while the car's warmed up & running, feel your radiator hoses, they should both be hot & should feel as though water's moving though it. If not you've got a flow problem, either the thermostat not opening or the waterpump not working. Last but not least, check your water/coolant level, if it's not full, look for leaks.

Answer 3

When the engine is still "cold," remove the radiator cap, and look down into the radiator. If the anti-freeze pumps through the side jets after you start the engine, then you know that the water pump is working. Also, when you remove the cap, you can eliminate a possible leak in the radiator or hoses if the level is correct. Now, watch for the fan to kick on once the engine temperature start to increase. If it doesn't, then either the fan is broken, or your temperature control sensor is bad.

If you drive around with your heater on (I know it's summer, and this option sucks), it will help to help keep the temperature level down.

Answer 4

First off, flush your radiator. Any parts store will carry radiator flushes in bottle that just look like miniature gallon jugs of antifreeze. Just follow the direction on the bottle. You'll have to replace the antifreeze when you do this. Also, look at your radiator from the front of the vehicle. if its dirty and isn't allowing air to flow through the coils, that can cause overheating. just wash it really good with a water hose, or pressure washer at a carwash. Also, a dirty air filter will cause the water temp to go up a little bit. The thermostat is a very likely option by the way. Unless its leaking, the radiator isn't bad...maybe just clogged, and flushing it will cure that. Oh, and one more thing. not trying to scare you, but if your water pump is going out, it won't circulate water as well.

Answer 5

first what color is your coolant. if it isnt green or orange then you need to flush your coolant system. you can do this yourself its easy.first drain your radiator into a drain pan. then remove themistat and put housing back on with out themostat in. then run a garden hose into the housing and turn on. make shure the lower radiator hose is off. start jeep with water running it will pump it through the block. then put the hose into the top line on radiator and let water run through it too. replace thermostat and gasket hook up radiator. when you fill the radiator make sure to leave cap off and turn on heater so you dont get air pockets. then let jeep reach operating temp and make sure radiator is full.
make shur and clean out the holding tank too. also if you go offroad alot pull the fan shroud and blow air from the engine side to clean out the cooling fins. if all is clean then try a new tempator sending unit to see if that was the problem. if you have any more questions then fell free to e mail me

Answer 6

you've probably got the straight 6 engine, right? the 4.0 liter? you say it has waaaay more miles than it should...that's normal for a jeep with that engine. the simplest thing would be to make sure there isn't any debris covering your radiator. also, next time it's about to overheat, open the hood with the car off and see if you can hear the coolant boiling inside the radiator...and of course, do NOT take the radiator cap off. if you can't hear it boiling, it could just be a bad sending unit and your jeep isn't overheating at all.

Answer 7

If you're doing normal preventive maintenance (checking/changing the oil, etc.), do the following:

Check your radiator to see if the anti-freeze level is okay and check the reserve tank to see if the level is normal. Also check the hoses to see if they're leaking...when they're cool, start your engine and check the ground to see if anti-freeze is on the ground.

If the radiator is fine, check the thermostat and the water pump.

If those two are fine, check to see if your engine has a cracked head. I had to have two cylinders in my engine replaced because they burned out.

Get that engine checked out ASAP. You could be on your way to burning your engine out.

Answer 8

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX?ed_searchResults@@.ee95179!keywords=allin%3Amsgtext%20limit%3A.ee95179%20overheating&count=20

Don't know what to tell you. Some of the answers you got are good. It can be a lot of things. Does your jeep have an electric fan in front of the radiator? If so be sure it operates. Overheating is serious. Good Luck

Answer 9

it sounds like a thermostat problem, i would replace that first, and if it still says its about to overheat, then return the new thermostat, and check your radiator for leaks, and check the hoses to make sure they are attached the right way, have no holes in them, and appear sturdy and strong.

Answer 10

You could add some radiator fluid and check your oil levels.