I have a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan with the 3.3l flex fuel v6, have replaced the following, water pump, radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, antifreeze. I can get good heat if the van sits and runs, but once it is driven a couple of miles I loose heat and the temp gauge drops down from normal to almost the cold mark, what could be the cause of this issue?

Paul W

• 404 Answers
• Posted on Dec 29, 2008

SOURCE: Engine runs hot on 2001 Stratus R/T 3.0L V6

Hello, as previously suggested by my collegue it appears you have an air lock. Have you tried parking the vehicle on level ground, from cold with radiator cap off start the car and leave it idling. Make sure the fluid/coolant levels are o.k. and let the engine reach operating temp. Keep some warm water handy and watch/listen the water/coolant system (Keep a safe/sensible distance from radiator) hopefully after a while the system will bubble and boil up let it settle for a few seconds and then top up with very warm water do this until it hopefully stops belching out of radiator. Replace cap and hopefully top and bottom hoses will be warm. Oh! nearly forgot keep all heater controls on hot with blower on full..(Inside the vehicle)
Finally I'm not joshing but is the thermostat in the right way round and functioning correctly? to test drop it in some boiling water it should open almost immeadiatly.
sorry for the epic but I'm here to help and hopefully save you time and money.
Good luck and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Paul 'W'

SOURCE: 2001 dodge stratus engine temperature gauge spikes occasionally

Look for a loose connection to the temperature sender unit on the motor.
If all connections OK, you may need a new temp sender unit.

SOURCE: 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.0 V6 Runs fine for

Have you put a pressure gauge on and then drive to see if pressure drops. If it does it is likely the pump. Sometimes these problems lead to it being the computer.

SOURCE: Dodge 2002 Grand Caravan V6 3.3 engine overheating/no cabin heat.

Replace the bad radiator hose first.  Second- get you special formulated anti-freeze dye from the auto store and pour it into the radiator.  Third- make sure you got all the air pockets out of your system, cause the coolant system won't work with air pockets in it.  Fourth- Check for leaks by looking for the colored dye.  If it's not the radiator hose, then could possibly be a pin hole in your radiator.  Would suggest replacing all the radiator hoses at the same time while you got the coolant system disconnected, cause you don't want to have to come back and replace another hose in a few months.

Testimonial: "Helpful & quick feedback! Thanks! "

SOURCE: temperature gauge is fluctuating while driving.

I'm thinking the coolnat level is low, and this might be caused by a bad head gasket - At least $800 to fix - sorry.