1999 3.3 liter Caravan, 149,000 miles. Last wk. the radiator cracked at the top, near the cap. Had the rad. replaced, (New one) also the AC line to the? somewhere was also replaced. (part only available from MOPAR),Took car, and same problem. Gauge would stay in the middle, then quickly jump to almost the red line. Brought it back, had the thermostat changed (Was this foolish, I live in Florida, and already have removed the Heater Core) needless to say, took the car, good for about 10 miles w/AC on then same problem.Mechanic tells me its normal for temp gauge to move up and down. BS never happened before ALWAYS stays at the middle. Today I noticed that the ac is not very cold, and when I move the switch to anything but first setting, main vent, IT automatically resets itself to outside air. IT has NEVER done this before I always keep it on MAX inside air. Could this be a sensor, relay, computer problem? When the rad. cracked last wek, I lost power while driving about 60MPH. HELP PLEASE
2007-08-12 15:40:08 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I agree - this sounds unusual. I think that your issue went beyond a simple radiator fix when you first overheated and it doesn't help that your mechanic is a crook (or incompetent).
Where in Florida are you? I may be able to reccomend a reputable shop.
2007-08-12 15:50:11 · answer #1 · answered by moleary1018 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason the radiator cracked is because the pressure in the radiator was too high. I would start with the head gasket, make sure after the head comes off its checked for cracks between the exhaust valves and intake valves. Could need the head replaced. The a/c problem sounds like a vacuum line wasn't put back on. If you lost power when car was hot you probably did engine damage. GAME OVER!!
2007-08-12 23:17:28 · answer #2 · answered by bthibs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1st off, without proper diagnostics you cannot get a proper repair...with that being said...
2nd, the dipsh*t that says it's normal for a temp. guage to "jump" that much does not know what he is talking about. Although some small amounts of movement is normal but this amount is not.
3rd, it sounds like your "mechanic" blew up more than just a cooling system problem = a/c (new problem).
My advise to you is to take it another technician and get a 2nd opinion because the first "tech" hasn't got it right yet. Take it to a local dealership that you trust and ask them to perform proper diagnostics and inform them of what has happened so far.
Good luck and hope this helps.
2007-08-12 22:59:08 · answer #3 · answered by num1huckfinn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off by removing the heater core you actually decreased the cooling systems fluid capacity.Sounds to me like your electric fans are not turning on. They turn on around 200deg or are on constantly when the A/C is on. Open the hood and look to see if they are working. If they dont check fuses relays temp sensor.
2007-08-12 22:53:24 · answer #4 · answered by Garfield 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
coolant problems are quite easily fixed. sounds like you are not using a repair shop which is doing it's job. Try your dealer or try a automotive radiator shop which has been in business for at least 20years. Tell them all the problems you've been having and tht you'd like to start fresh with their opinion.
2007-08-12 22:59:00 · answer #5 · answered by 27ysq 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first thought is that the radiator fan is not working and/or the high speed fan is not working.May have blown headgaskets. may have faulty gauge or sensor. the AC vent problem is independant of work done.
2007-08-12 22:51:34 · answer #6 · answered by Gary G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start by finding a competent mechanic who doesn't think it's normal for a temperature gage to move up and down, and get it fixed. Then ask mechanic one for a refund of the cost of getting it fixed. He may argue with you about it, but it's worth a try.
2007-08-12 22:46:25 · answer #7 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a computer problem probably have it checked. you may need a new one if it can't be fixed. this will cost between 3&400.00. Of course it could be a relay also
2007-08-12 22:56:12 · answer #8 · answered by chaluppa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like head gasket
2007-08-12 22:46:46 · answer #9 · answered by knuckels_mc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋