Coolant leaks I have a 98 dodge 1500 ext/cad/2wd.My coolant leaks out at the bottom by the battery.I checked my radiator it was fine,not hot or steaming.Now my coolant jug was empty so I filled it.Then took it for run,got back turn it off.It strated to leak again,now when I put that coolant in, my gage whent back to normal.It also stays like that when I'm driving normal.But soon as the coolant run out it gets hot.What is it the coolant line or thermostat?

If your vehicle engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you experience a loss of power,or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated. You should follow this procedure............

Pull safe off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on our emergency flasher. Put the transmission in "P" (automatic) or neutral (manual) and apply the parking brake. Turn off the air conditioning if it is being used.

If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine. Wait until the steam subsides before opening the hood. If there is no coolant boiling over the steam, leave the engine running. CAUTION: To avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there is not steam. Escaping steam or coolant is a sign of very hing pressure.

Visually check to see if the engine drive belt (fan belt) is broken or loose. Lock for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle. However, note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has been used. CAUTION: When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan engine drive belt.

If the engine drive belt is broken or the coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately and call your mechanic of assistance.

If the engine drive belt is okay and there are no obvious leaks, you may help the engine cool down more quickly by running it at about 1500 rpm for a few minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.

Check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the engine is running. Fill it about half full. CAUTION:Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.

After the engine coolant temperature has cooled to normal, again check the coolant level in the reservoir. If necessary, bring it up to half full again. Serious coolant loos indicates a leak in the system. You should have it checked as soon as possible at your mechanic's workshop.

Good luck.