Chrysler Sebring, Stratus sedan, Sebring Convertible. Manual - part 311

OPERATION

CAUTION: Vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.4L engines
use a different pressure cap than vehicles equipped
with 2.7L engines. The pressure caps are NOT inter-
changeable. Verify proper pressure cap part num-
ber.

The pressure cap allows the cooling system to oper-

ate at higher than atmospheric pressure. The higher
pressure raises the coolant boiling point; this allows
increased radiator cooling capacity.

The gasket in the cap seals the filler neck, so that

vacuum can be maintained, allowing coolant to be
drawn back into the cooling system from the reserve
container.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRESSURE CAP
TESTING

Dip the pressure cap in water. Clean any deposits

off the vent valve or its seat and apply cap to end of
the Pressure Cap Test Adaptor that is included with
the

Cooling

System

Tester

7700.

Working

the

plunger, bring the pressure to 104 kPa (15 psi) on the
gauge. If the pressure cap fails to hold pressure of at
least 97 kPa (14 psi), replace the pressure cap.

CAUTION: The Cooling System Tester Tool is very
sensitive to small air leaks that will not cause cool-
ing system problems. A pressure cap that does not
have a history of coolant loss should not be
replaced just because it leaks slowly when tested
with this tool. Add water to the tool. Turn tool
upside down and recheck pressure cap to confirm
that cap is bad.

If the pressure cap tests properly while positioned

on Cooling System Tester (Fig. 29), but will not hold
pressure or vacuum when positioned on the filler
neck. Inspect the filler neck and cap top gasket for
irregularities that may prevent the cap from sealing
properly.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELIEF TESTING

WARNING: THE WARNING WORDS “DO NOT OPEN
HOT” ON THE PRESSURE CAP IS A SAFETY PRE-
CAUTION. WHEN HOT, THE COOLING SYSTEM
BUILDS UP PRESSURE. TO PREVENT SCALDING
OR OTHER INJURY, THE PRESSURE CAP SHOULD
NOT BE REMOVED WHILE THE SYSTEM IS HOT
AND/OR UNDER PRESSURE.

The pressure cap upper gasket to filler neck seal

can be checked by removing the overflow hose at the
filler neck overflow nipple (Fig. 30). Attach the radi-
ator pressure tester to the filler neck overflow

Fig. 28 Cooling System Pressure Cap

1 - OVERFLOW NIPPLE
2 - MAIN SPRING
3 - GASKET RETAINER
4 - STAINLESS-STEEL SWIVEL TOP
5 - RUBBER SEALS
6 - VENT VALVE
7 - COOLANT OUTLET CONNECTOR (2.0L/2.4L)/PRESSURE
CONTAINER (2.7L)
8 - FILLER NECK

Fig. 29 Testing Cooling System Pressure Cap

1 - PRESSURE CAP
2 - PRESSURE TESTER

ENGINE

7 - 37

PRESSURE CAP (Continued)

nipple, and pump air into the system. The pressure
cap upper gasket should relieve pressure at 69-124
kPa (10-18 psi), and hold pressure at 55 kPa (8 psi)
minimum.

There is no need to remove the pressure cap at any

time except for the following purposes:

• Check and adjust coolant freeze point

• Refill system with new coolant

• Conducting service procedures

• Checking for leaks

WARNING: IF VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUN RECENTLY,
WAIT

MINUTES

BEFORE

REMOVING

CAP.

PLACE A SHOP TOWEL OVER THE CAP, AND WITH-
OUT

PUSHING

DOWN,

ROTATE

COUNTER-

CLOCKWISE TO THE FIRST STOP. ALLOW FLUIDS
TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE OVERFLOW TUBE.
WHEN THE SYSTEM STOPS PUSHING COOLANT
AND STEAM INTO THE CRS TANK AND PRESSURE
DROPS, PUSH DOWN ON THE CAP AND REMOVE
IT

COMPLETELY.

SQUEEZING

THE

RADIATOR

INLET HOSE WITH A SHOP TOWEL (TO CHECK
PRESSURE) BEFORE AND AFTER TURNING TO
THE FIRST STOP IS RECOMMENDED.

CLEANING

Use only a mild soap to clean the pressure cap.

INSPECTION

2.0L/2.4L

Hold the cap in your hand, right side up (Fig. 31).

The vent valve at the bottom of the cap should fall
open. Turn the cap upside down. The vent valve
should close.

Replace the cap for any of the following conditions:
• Rubber gasket has swollen, preventing the valve

from opening

• Any light can be seen between the vent valve

and the rubber gasket (with cap upside down)

• Gasket on the bottom of the cap shows notice-

able thinning

• Cap has been through more than one engine

overheat.

2.7L

Hold the cap in your hand, right side up (Fig. 31).

The vent valve at the bottom of the cap should be
normally closed. The vent valve should open with a
slight pull with your finger nail.

Replace the cap for any of the following conditions:
• Rubber gasket has swollen, preventing the valve

from opening

• Any light can be seen between the vent valve

and the rubber gasket. Use only a replacement
cap that has a spring to hold the vent shut.

• Gasket on the bottom of the cap shows notice-

able thinning

• Cap has been through more than one engine

overheat.

Fig. 30 Cooling System Pressure Cap to Filler Neck

7 - 38

ENGINE

PRESSURE CAP (Continued)

RADIATOR FAN(S)

DESCRIPTION

The radiator fan module includes a support shroud

with two electrically driven motors with fan blades
(Fig. 32). The radiator fan module is fastened to the
radiator. The motors, shroud, and fan blades are ser-
viced separately.

OPERATION

The radiator fans are controlled by the Powertrain

Control Module (PCM) which energizes a high speed
or low speed fan relay. The electric motor drives the
cooling fan to produce air flow across the radiator
fins.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR FAN
CONTROL

Fan control is accomplished three ways. The fan

runs when the air conditioning pressure reaches a
set psi see charts below. In addition to this control,
the fan is turned on by the temperature of the cool-
ant which is sensed by the coolant temperature sen-
sor which sends the message to the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM). The PCM turns on the fan
through a fan relay. On models equipped with auto-
matic transmission, a transmission fluid thermister
may have some influences on fan operation. See Wir-
ing Diagrams Manual for circuity and diagnostics
provided.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides

fan control for the following conditions:

• The fan will not run during cranking until the

engine starts no matter what the coolant tempera-
ture is.

• Fan will run when the air conditioning clutch is

engaged, low pressure cutout switch is closed and
once set compressor head pressure is reached. See
charts.

• Fan will run according to the following informa-

tion charts.

Fig. 31 Cooling System Pressure Cap - Typical

1 - FILLER NECK SEAL
2 - VACUUM VENT VALVE
3 - PRESSURE RATING
4 - PRESSURE VALVE

Fig. 32 Fan Module

1 - RADIATOR FAN MOTOR
2 - RADIATOR
3 - RADIATOR DRAINCOCK

ENGINE

7 - 39

PRESSURE CAP (Continued)

RADIATOR FAN OPERATION—2.0L ENGINE

Radiator Fan Control

A/C Pressure

A/C Off

Low

High

Fan On:

104°C
(220°F)

110°C
(230°F)

Fan Off:

99°C
(210°F)

104°C
(220°F)

A/C On

Low

High

Low

High

Fan On:

99°C
(210°F)

110°C
(230°F)

1,466
Kpa
(209
psi)

1,717
Kpa
(249 psi)

Fan Off:

93°C
(200°F)

104°C
(220°F)

1,172
Kpa
(170
psi)

1,579
Kpa
(229 psi)

EATX Fluid Temperature

Low
Speed

High
Speed

Fan On:

109°C
(228°F)

111°C
(232°F)

Fan Off:

104°C
(220°F)

109°C
(228°F)

RADIATOR FAN OPERATION—2.4L ENGINE

Radiator Fan Control

A/C Pressure

A/C Off

Low

High

Fan On:

104°C
(219°F)

110°C
(230°F)

Fan Off:

99°C
(210°F)

105°C
(221°F)

A/C On

Low

High

Low

High

Fan On:

99°C
(210°F)

110°C
(230°F)

1,448
Kpa
(210
psi)

1,718
Kpa
(249 psi)

Fan Off:

93°C
(199°F)

105°C
(221°F)

1,207
Kpa
(175
Psi)

1,585
Kpa
(229
Psi)

EATX Fluid Temperature

Low
Speed

High
Speed

Fan On:

109°C
(228°F)

111°C
(232°F)

Fan Off:

104°C
(220°F)

109°C
(228°F)

RADIATOR FAN OPERATION—2.7L ENGINE

Radiator Fan Control

A/C Pressure

A/C Off

Low

High

Fan On:

104°C
(220°F)

110°C
(230°F)

Fan Off:

98°C
(208°F)

105°C
(221°F)

A/C On

Low

High

Low

High

Fan On:

99°C
(210°F)

110°C
(230°F)

1,448
Kpa
(210
psi)

1,718
Kpa
(249 psi)

Fan Off:

93°C
(199°F)

105°C
(221°F)

1,207
Kpa
(175
psi)

1,585
kpa (229
psi)

EATX Fluid Temperature

Low
Speed

High
Speed

Fan On:

109°C
(228°F)

111°C
(232°F)

Fan Off:

104°C
(220°F)

109°C
(228°F)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ELECTRIC FAN
MOTOR TEST

Refer to the appropriate Diagnostic Information for

testing the fan motor with the DRBIII

For wiring diagrams of the fan motor systems refer

to Wiring Diagrams.

REMOVAL

(1) Remove upper radiator crossmember.
(2) Disconnect radiator fan electrical connector

(Fig. 33).

(3) Remove fasteners and upper clip attaching fan

assembly to radiator (Fig. 33).

(4) Remove

radiator

fan

assembly

lifting

upward.

INSPECTION

There are no repairs to be made to the fan. If the

fan is warped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it
must be replaced with only the recommended
replacement part for adequate strength, performance
and safety.

7 - 40

ENGINE

RADIATOR FAN(S) (Continued)

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