CONDITION
POSSIBLE CAUSE
CORRECTION
POOR DRIVEABILITY
(THERMOSTAT POSSIBLY STUCK
OPEN). GAUGE MAY BE READING
LOW
1. For proper driveability, good
vehicle emissions and for
preventing build-up of engine oil
sludge, the thermostat must be
operating properly. Has a diagnostic
trouble code (DTC ) been set?
1. (Refer to the Appropriate
Diagnostic Information) Replace
thermostat if necessary.
STEAM IS COMING FROM FRONT
OF VEHICLE NEAR GRILL AREA
WHEN WEATHER IS WET,
ENGINE IS WARMED UP,
RUNNING, AND VEHICLE IS
STATIONARY. TEMPERATURE
GAUGE IS IN NORMAL RANGE.
1. During wet weather, moisture
(snow, ice or rain condensation) on
the radiator will evaporate when the
thermostat opens. This opening
allows heated water into the
radiator. When the moisture contact
the hot radiator, steam may be
emitted. This usually occurs in cold
weather with no fan or airflow to
blow it away.
1. Occasional steam emitting from
this area is normal. No repair is
necessary.
COOLANT COLOR
1. Coolant color is not necessarily
an indication of adequate corrosion
or temperature protection. Do not
rely on coolant color for determining
condition of coolant.
1. Check the freeze point of the
coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/COOLANT - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) Adjust the
glycol-to-water ratio as required.
COOLANT LEVEL CHANGES IN
COOLANT RECOVERY
CONTAINER
1. Level changes are to be
expected as coolant volume
fluctuates with engine temperature.
If the level in the container was
between the MIN and MAX marks
when the engine was cold, the level
should return to within that range
after operation at elevated
temperatures.
1. A normal condition. No repair is
necessary.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
FLOW CHECK
To determine whether coolant is flowing through
the cooling system, use one of the following proce-
dures:
PREFERRED METHOD
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLING SYS-
TEM PRESSURE CAP OR ANY HOSE WITH THE
SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
• 2.0L/2.4L: Remove pressure cap when engine is
cold. Remove small amount of coolant. Idle engine
until thermostat opens. You should observe coolant
flow while looking down the filler neck. Once flow is
detected install the pressure cap. Replace removed
coolant into coolant recovery container.
• 2.7L: Start engine, coolant flow should be
observable in coolant pressure container when rev-
ving the engine.
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
• If engine is cold, idle engine until normal oper-
ating temperature is reached. Feel the upper radiator
hose. If it is hot, coolant is circulating.
JR
ENGINE
7 - 21
ENGINE (Continued)