I have a 2002 T & C ex with 3.8 the heat is not getting cold like it should. I checked the coolant but not sure if the fluid should be all the way up the neck of the radiaior because the neck is long. I do see fluid but it is at bottom of neck of radiator.
I am getting some heat but it is not hot like in the past, i am thinking change the thermostat. If the thermostat is bad would you get any heat? thanks vinspe
If you're going to all the trouble of replacing the T-stat (for "PR"), you may as well also replace the Rad Cap (for "PR"). Afterwards, do a SEARCH on the FORUM for "BURP the BABY" and those instructions will help you get ALL the bubbles out of the system. Which can also be your problem. However, replacing a $5 part is pro active and well worth it, especially if one or the other is actually causing your problem.
There's your problem right there, you're having wrong expectations for the heat. :biggrin:
All kidding aside, a bad tstat can cause low heat operation and is usually a good step to replace it when problems arise. As for the coolant level, it should be to the bottom of the radiator cap. Is the overflow tank empty?
Is your rear heat on? providing good heat?
Likely cause of little / no heat is low coolant level in the radiator, with the level being at or below the level of coolant in the lines going to the heater coil. Less heat going downhill and more heat going up hill will confirm that.
Before changing or replacing anything, I would top the coolant up to the underside of radiator cap and see if that makes a difference.
If you are losing coolant, there could be several things causing leakage including a not tight enough radiator cap (lugs should line up across radiator) or a defective cap. If a leak cannot be located, without pressure testing, a new radiator cap is an inexpensive experiment.
As for the thermostat, check the upper radiator hose to see if it is really hot. Compare with another vehicle if possible. With an open thermostat, your temperature gage will likely be showing a lower heat temperature.
What's the history on your coolant system? Antifreeze type (HOAT?), been flushed recently? coolant replaced recently? stop leak been added at some time?
I did add HOAT fluid to the radiator, and some to the overflow between the two it took about 3/4 of the jug.
coolant system is factory original, van has over 100000 mile and i see in the book i should have flushed and replaced at 5years will do that soon $
first time doing anything to the radiator no stop leak add
I will keep a eye on fluid levels for next couple of day
thanks all
drove it today and heat was good, I will still flush system soon and change top hose and the thermostatat that time thanks veryone for your help
vinspe
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