Overheating Problem 2002 T4R

Borbos

New member
Have been having a problem with overheating, has been to the mechanic 3 times, for over probably 3 weeks now. Just got it back from the 3rd time today. Drive it normal driving no a/c about 9 to 12 miles temperature gage at 1/2 to maybe a little below. Stop and it begins going up to 3/4 then 7/8 then hits red. Pull to the side of road engine off about five minutes goes down to about 5/8 drive a little bit then it goes back up to red. Got to a downhill put it in neutral and coasted temperature returned to half, started putting it in drive and the temp went back up. Didn't hit red and got home after the third stop in about a 9 mile drive on surface streets. I turned on the heater full blast and got no heat out of the heater which I thought was really odd. Here is what the mechanic has told us he has done. Tested the radiator. (it is probably less than 2 years old. He replaced it) Replaced the thermostat twice, replaced the fan because he said the clutch on it was gone. This was after the second trip back because he actually observed the behavior himself. He said he changed the water pump this time and could not get it to repeat the overheating issue. Said he drove it a couple of days and it didn't do it. He said he checked the head gasket and it was fine. Any ideas or suggestions appreciated really frustrated at this point. Would also like to add that when it overheats we (on one occasion heard bubbling) but there has been no overflow of water.
 
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1st) order a Bluetooth OBD2 Code Scanner off Amazon for $20 - NOW

You can install it in the dash under the steering wheel just a bit to the right side. There is an OBD2 port there so you don't have to use the one under the hood. Then use the Torque app. It is very helpful to know the actual temps. Red is actually quite hot for these cars and it doesn't go red under normal temps.


2nd) Get a new mechanic. I'd ask the new mechanic to do a full burp for starters.
 
Thanks

What is a full burp? Is there a specific place on the car I pat? :) As for the mechanic the second time we took it in he just charged labor and the 3rd time he replaced the water pump for free. Could be he's over matched but he made some good efforts in my opinion, but yeah a new mechanic is on the to do list.
 
Make sure the thermostat is installed with the jiggle valve at 6 o'clock. Unless they know better, general mechanics will install at 12 o'clock as on most cars. But the FSM specs six, and the experience on here proves these trucks do better with it at six. Then park it uphill or with the wheels up on a curb, remove rad cap and start the engine. Once coolant is flowing through the rad, squeeze both upper and lower hoses a few times, shut her down, fill rad and reservoir to level. Replace cap. Drive a while and refill reservoir if needed.
 
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Also, my friend had a very similar issue. His was fixed by installing a new OEM radiator cap. If it's not pressure tight, air will get in the system.
 

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