My Intrepid has been freaking out. It drives fine for awhile...and then out of nowhere, the radiator leaks, I lose all my water, and the engine overheats. I now keep three gallon jugs of water in my trunk for when the problem occurs (and it occurs with frequency).
It doesn't freak out with consistency...I may be able to drive it for a day or a week before it heats up again.
Also, perhaps on an unrelated note...I'm going through one or two bottles of power steering fluid per month. Any idea why?
2007-09-13 09:10:15 · 9 answers · asked by ~Miss Ashley Michele~ 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Dodge
I forgot to mention, my dad just recently replaced the thermostat, so we know that's not the problem.
Thank you for your answers! They're a great help. :-)
2007-09-13 09:39:24 · update #1
try to find out where it is leaking from and get it replaced. make sure you pull over as soon as you notice it overheating or you could warp or crack the head. as for the powerstearing fluid, you prolly have a leak somewhere as well
2007-09-13 09:17:12 · answer #1 · answered by prplfae 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Driving a new car (any brand) while overheating will most likely cause damage. My guess is you blew a head gasket therefore the reason you can't keep water in it... cast iron blocks with aluminum heads or all aluminum engines are prone to this when they get overheated. Also you don't specify which engine. Is the radiator leaking or is the water coming from a gasketed area. I would not use it again before you check it out... chances are you have already done the damage.... but there is a remote possibility you have not... so get it checked out.
The power steering fluid is probably blowing out a seal when under pressure... surely there is a spot of wetness somewhere...
2007-09-13 13:26:50 · answer #2 · answered by moparmtn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be a few things. My guess is you are loosing the water through the overflow dump. Possibly the thermostat or cooling fan heat sensor or fan circuit or fan itself. Most of these said already. But go get it checked now, if you think the fix could be pricey...try running without water...and see how much THAT fix will cost you. Power steering sounds like a general leak in a line/hose. You can get them both checked by a decent mechanic.
2007-09-13 09:31:57 · answer #3 · answered by jon e 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, you said the radiator leaks? That's a no brainer. Get it repaired! Of course its going to over heat if the radiator leaks all the water out.
AND the power steering fluid has to be coming out some where. Look for the leak and you are sure to find it.
2007-09-15 16:25:04 · answer #4 · answered by Jackolantern 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your radiator cooling fan is intermittent. When this happens check for the fan operating. If it's not there's your problem. The fan should come on at 210 degrees and continue until the engine cools offto a predetermined temperature. The fan is controlled by the coolant temp sensor (CTS) and power for the fan comes from the fan relay. Either one could cause the problem, but I would bet it's the relay.
2007-09-13 09:20:47 · answer #5 · answered by Joseph P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On this one, my money's on the head gasket (for the overheating). Try running it with the radiator cap loose. That will reduce pressure in the cooling system; but don't do this on long journeys and keep plenty of top-up water with you. The power steering problem is probably worn hydraulic seals (outside my expertise, but not connected with the overheating).
2007-09-13 09:33:37 · answer #6 · answered by Michael B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Power steering leaks - check hoses and clamps first, but
you may have leaks in rack & pinion steering. Radiators get hot
and overheat if pressure caps are weak. Check it for pressure.
If you can't determine where coolant is leaking, have radiator
checked for head gasket leakage - exhaust gets into coolant
and may cause radiator to blow thru cap.
2007-09-13 09:20:29 · answer #7 · answered by jonbel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try replacing thermostat,it could be frozed or not working.
2007-09-13 09:19:26 · answer #8 · answered by Frank A R 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do what these people said. and for more help, check out www.dodgeintrepid.net
2007-09-15 09:12:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋