2004 pacifica radiator overheats every couple

Drain the antifreeze or coolant and then remove any parts obstructing the removal of the radiator itself, the cooling fan, etc. Unclamp the top and bottom radiator hoses, remove retaining bolts and remove. Replacement is opposite. Refill unit avoiding air pockets by running heater while car warms up and you are adding coolant.

It sounds like either a blocked radiator or cylinder head gasket problem

HI run engine until heat gauge reaches half or 90degrees .then feel top and bottom radiator hose for equal temperature ,IF not thermostat faulty. once you have replaced thermostat and coolant with required water dilution run engine by 90/100degrees engine cooling fan should switch on/off automatically .IF this happens system is fine.

Usually, hoses pop off if the radiator/expansion tank cap is incorrect/broken. Find out if this "mechanic" changed the cap, if they did, get the old one back or get a replacement from the dealer. I have never gotten a dependable replacement from any parts stores. If they didn't change it, change it anyway and see what happens.

• Coolant Temperature Sensor
• Engine Fan
• Radiator
• Thermostat
• • Removal & Installation
• Water Pump

• HOME
• REPAIR HELP
• 2004 CHRYSLER TRUCK PACIFICA 2WD 3.5L SFI SOHC 6CYL REPAIR GUIDE
• ENGINE COOLING
• THERMOSTAT
• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Pacifica, 2003-2005
Removal & Installation

• 3.5L ENGINE

Print Here is how to do it,if it does'nt fit right make sure you have the right thermostat.

3.5L Engine


CAUTION Never remove pressure cap with the system hot and under pressure because serious burns from coolant can occur.

1. Disconnect negative cable from remote jumper terminal.
2. Drain cooling system.
3. Disconnect radiator upper hose from thermostat housing.
4. Remove thermostat housing bolts.
5. Remove housing, thermostat, and gasket.
   
   

   Fig. View of the coolant outlet connector (1) and thermostat housing (2)-3.5L engine
   View of the coolant outlet connector (1) and thermostat housing (2)-3.5L engine

6. Clean gasket sealing surfaces.

To install:

1. Install thermostat and gasket into thermostat housing. For ease of installation, install bolts in housing for thermostat and gasket retention.
2. Install thermostat and housing to the intake manifold. Tighten the bolts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm).
3. Connect radiator hoses and install hose clamp.
4. Refill cooling system.
5. Connect negative cable to remote jumper terminal

3.5L, under the housing where the lower radiator hose hooks to.
3.8L, under the housing where the upper radiator hose hooks to.
Hope this helps, James Booth

Why was radiator replaced?Did it have heat before ? If it was plugged, the heater core may also be plugged. Try flushing it with a water hose in both directions. I dont know why the botton radiator hose would be cold, the radiator should be a uniform temp and the air coming through the radiator should be HOT, when the engine is at operating temp. What condition was the old coolant? if it was rusty, the water pump may have lower flow than normal.

Thermostat is found where the top radiator hose ( big hose almost 2 inches ) comes out of the top of the engine. Usually just 1 hose clamp and a couple of bolts to get at it. You will loose lots of coolant doing this if you don't drain quite a bit out of the radiator first. Most important thing is to make sure the coolant refills up under the new thermostat. If there is a big air gap (vapour lock) your engine could overheat before the new thermostat gets hot enough to open.

If the water pump is leaking, then you need to replace it, replace the thermostat as well. Make sure you have got all the air out of the cooling system, when you refill the coolant, by undoing the top hose of the radiator till water comes out, likewise with a heater hose, then start and check, when the temperature is right the fans should cut in, keep an eye on the temp guage whilst doing this.
Hope thgis helps

Change the gasket is a must. You don't want antifreeze mixing with your engine oil. The antifreeze is carrosive to the engine bearing. The other thing to is if your radiator hose is soft and lod, they can and will collapse ristricting the flow of antifreeze.
Last to look at would be a weak water pump and you are going to have to change that.
 Start with changing the radiator hose since it's the cheapest. Keep an eye on the oil antifreeze to make sure you aren't have the two mix. 
Change the intake manifold gadket soon as posibel.
Good luck and hope this helps.