2004 Dodge Stratus Engine Overheating Problems
Reader QuestionMy name is Katrina and my 2004 Dodge Stratus is overheating. A couple of days ago I was driving home from work and I noticed my gauge going from cold to hot quickly. As i accelerated it rose higher, so I slowed down and pulled over.
When I looked under my hood I noticed water spouting out and making a steaming breezy noise. (Please forgive my description and my ignorance on car issues. I hope you can understand what I am saying). Anyway, the water is coming from this small bolt that has other hoses attached to
it. I’m not sure if it is my radiator but it is very close to my engine and my fluids.
Is this making any sense. I don’t know what to do and I am so afraid to take it to a mechanic as I have heard so many horror stories. Can you help?
Hello Katrina
You need to see a mechanic or at least a fast oil lube place and have them do a “cooling system pressure test”. This will show the mechanic what is leaking so he can repair it. This is a quick and inexpensive test you can wait on.
We charge $38 at my shop for it, and this is the very first thing we do in an overheating or coolant loss type of situation like what you have.
Make sure you have plenty of water inside the RADIATOR (not just the plastic overflow jug on the side of the engine compartment)before you drive this car anywhere. If it overheats enough it will destroy the engine…and cost you BIG bucks!
Blessings,
Austin Davis
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i also have a stratus overheating 2006 v6 and put antifreeze still overheats i replace thermostat plus i have to mess with the fuse so my fans come on. wut else can it be?
two things you mentioned get my attention.
1. You have to add antifreeze? So there must be a leak in the cooling system somewhere, so get a “cooling system pressure test” to determine where the leak is coming from.
2. You have to mess with a fuse to get the cooling fan to come on?? I would definitely have a mechanic check that out, your cooling fan has to work properly or the engine will over heat. The radiator fan should come on and off as the engine heats up.
I am not a car expert, but my first instinct says it could be a very quick and easy fix. It sounds like it could be a cooling system bleed point. That bolt may just need tightend. Then coolant should be added to replace what leaked out. If that doesn’t work, I can’t argue with Austin’s pressure check recommendation.
I was having close to the same problem, steam and fluid coming from on of the tubes. when i had someone look the next day they said there wasn’t a problem but my car is still over heating, would you be able to give any advice
thanks naeeamah
First things first. Get a cooling system pressure test to see if there is a coolant leak somewhere. I would also get the mechanic to check the electric cooling fan operation and check the radiator for a restriction.
Hi, I have the same problem with Kathrina and I also drive a Dodge Stratus. I live in sumter, SC and I am hoping you could help me fixed it. I went to a mechanic and they are asking too much. Is there a way you could help me.
Hazel
First thing to do is get a cooling system pressure test and see if there are any antifreeze leaks in the system that would cause the engine to over heat. if no leaks are present, then I would test the radiator itself and make sure there is adequate antifreeze flow and that the electric cooling fan motor is working.