My 2002 started to get really hot today while sitting in traffic. Once I got going it went right back down to temp. Never ran funny, temp gauge just got up there. Ran with AC off for awhile but does the same thing regardless. Anyone have any idea what that could be or how to diagnose?
Temp gets hot when sitting at light too long
- Thread starter Newrovrluvr
- Start date
Well, how is the coolant level?
My second check would be the fan clutch.
And fwiw when it shows hot on the gauge, it's way past getting hot, it's a temp switch. Not a good sign.
My second check would be the fan clutch.
And fwiw when it shows hot on the gauge, it's way past getting hot, it's a temp switch. Not a good sign.
I will check coolant level today. Just getting to know this vehicle. How hard is it to replace fan clutch?
Read this: http://www.discoweb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=67224&highlight=overheating+summer
more questions? Try the search function...you'll find all the answers you need. (except on the coolant - that'll start a war)
more questions? Try the search function...you'll find all the answers you need. (except on the coolant - that'll start a war)
Go thru the easiest steps first. Coolant, fan clutch, a/c fans ect... I did all those and still had to change the radiator... but with yours being a D2 I'm sure there is a few other ideas that I did not have to consider. Good luck to you
my D1 did the same thing...turned out the space between the radiator and a/c had detritus that meant hot temps going slow. It was good on the freeway but climbing or hot city traffic was causing overheating. easy, free fix and it will be obvious that it needs cleaning but you have to look. On mine you can just pull the rubber gaskets off the top and bottom and back flush. Should be the same on most any vehicle with a/c. It's better to remove the radiator completely, but it will help to at least flush it in place.
yes, coolant level first. If its down, see if there is any obvious leaks, radiator, throttle body heater, hoses, etc. and definitely what the others have said. Hopefully its not anything worse.
Thanks so much for the replies. I appreciate all the feedback. I have checked the coolant. It is right at the proper level, fan seemed to be working just fine this morning. Are there some other checks to rule this out? Are there any other ideas?
ptschram
Well-known member
Check fan clutch by looking to see if it freewheels when hot and you shut the engine down.
I think I have a new one in stock.
I think I have a new one in stock.
Can't you test it with the engine off by spinning it with your hand? If it spins over and over, the clutch is gone???
i prefer the audible method. if the fan doesnt sound like a 747 on takeoff when you first drive away in the morning, the clutch is shot. also, when it is locked up (engine hot) if you pop the hood and rev it up it should move a metric shit ton of air. if you're feeling daring, stick something into the fan when spinning and it if stops, clutch is bad. although that probably isn't the best way to test it out with a plastic fan.
I would be more concerned about damage already done to the engine when it overheated.
If it cools down when moving its probably the fan clutch.
If it cools down when moving its probably the fan clutch.
ptschram
Well-known member
Don't fucking put anything into the path of the fan!!!
If it blows up, you'll not be pleased.
It has to be hot for the visual observation method to work and I've found the watch it when you shut the engine down method works well.
If it blows up, you'll not be pleased.
It has to be hot for the visual observation method to work and I've found the watch it when you shut the engine down method works well.
I've seen people loose radiators and slice open fingers when fans retaliate!
I had a rrc that sheared a fanblad and shot it through the hood. Interesting times.
cold start --> 2500rpm. Listen for the sounds of a mack truck.
another thing to look for. the bimetal spring on the front can get shitted up with crud and not work as effectively.
I had a rrc that sheared a fanblad and shot it through the hood. Interesting times.
cold start --> 2500rpm. Listen for the sounds of a mack truck.
another thing to look for. the bimetal spring on the front can get shitted up with crud and not work as effectively.
Thanks guys. I assure you I have enough survival instinct to not place anything in a fan, moving or not, just in case. I will try to listen to it after I get it hot today. BTW it never overheated. Temp just went up toward the top of the range when I let it idle for awhile when hot. So, once it gets hot today I should be able to shut the engine off and have the fan still running to cool it down, correct? If it is not I should be able to freewheel it if it is bad, yes?
The factory temp gauge is a dummy gauge. meaning it has 3 positions. Cold, normal, and too hot!
By the time the needle moves past the middle position the engine is already overheating.
I learned that lesson the hard way :banghead: