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Dodge Durango Overheating Problems

163 messages,  Last post on Sep 06, 2012 at 10:47 AM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Durango, Engine, SUV

Messages Page 15 of 18

#132 of 163 2003 Dodge Durango Sporadic Overheating by galvestongal

Nov 03, 2011 (12:08 pm)

Hello. I am joining the discussion in hopes of finding a solution for this persistent problem. I have a 2003 Dodge Durango with a 4.7L V-8 engine. Starting in March this year it began overheating at idle (idling, red lights, very slow speeds), we come to the conclusion it was fan clutch and replaced it along with radiator hoses. Worked for about a month, began overheating again. Replaced thermostat, worked for about 3-4 weeks, began again. The cycle has continued until we have replaced fan clutch, hoses, thermostat, and more recently the radiator. Last week it began again. We have had this truck in shops and with mechanics who all say mechanically the truck is fine, everything functions as it should. Most of the shops think I am crazy because they cannot make the truck overheat even after leaving it running most of the day. The engine has been tested for head gaskets, etc. I am running out of money to put into it. Any suggestions?

#133 of 163 Re: 2003 Dodge Durango Sporadic Overheating [galvestongal] by burdawg

Nov 04, 2011 (6:56 am)

Replying to: galvestongal (Nov 03, 2011 12:08 pm)
Hmmm........You've already done everything I would have recommended based on your symptoms. It's not losing coolant, right? If not, when it overheats are you sure it's really hot? Not just the gauge or sending unit malfunctioning? Does the overheating occur only during very warm or hot days? One other thing is the water pump, it's just possible that the impeller vanes in the pump are worn down, but that's very remote. Also, does the auxiliary cooling fan come on when it starts to get hot, or when the A/C is turned on?

#134 of 163 Re: 2003 Dodge Durango Sporadic Overheating [burdawg] by galvestongal

Nov 04, 2011 (7:10 am)

Replying to: burdawg (Nov 04, 2011 6:56 am)
I check coolant levels everyday, its fine. When it heats up enough that the temp light comes on I do smell the coolant though and have seen splatters from the overflow under the hood. Last time I had guage checked out, it was fine, although I am going to have it checked again. The overheating is worse on hot days but still happens on cool days, it just takes longer to happen. Water pump was fine when checked, so we haven't replaced it yet. And the auxilliary fan has been checked twice and is functioning properly. I could understand it this was a consistent occurance, but when we fix one thing it seems to do okay for a few days, a few weeks or even month or more then starts again. We replace something else, it repeats the cycle. All the shops and mechanics say this truck is functioning properly and that they can see no reason why it would be heating up. Usually when I take it to a shop they cannot get it to overheat and therefore think I am just crazy. I called a Dodge dealership yesterday and they told the that due to the nature of the concern and with what we have already done, fixing this situation would be very time consuming and could be very expensive if I brought it in. I am very disheartened by this as I love this little truck, it is really a great truck, runs great, never any issues until all this overheating began.

#135 of 163 2000 Dodge Durango Overheating by dre36

Nov 09, 2011 (6:20 am)

Hello… I have a 2000 Dodge Durango with a 4.7L V-8 engine. Starting in April this year it began overheating at idling, at red lights, and slow speeds). I’ve changed the thermostat, water pump, radiator (twice), hoses, and radiator cap. Every week I have to put coolant in the vehicle and have no clue where it goes. It overheats on warm days all the time and last week red lined on me in 40 degree weather after just driving 20mins. There are no leaks present that I see. After replacing the radiator for the second time my mechanic asked how much antifreeze can go in to my truck cause he had to put almost 4 gals. Looking for any insight on what to do next to resolve this problem. Would hate to bring it to the dealer and have them do everything I’ve done already.

#136 of 163 Re: 2000 Dodge Durango Overheating [dre36] by burdawg

Nov 09, 2011 (8:34 am)

Replying to: dre36 (Nov 09, 2011 6:20 am)
1. If your loosing coolant and it's confirmed that there's no external leaks then the only answer is an internal leak somewhere inside the engine. The cooling system should be pressure tested to confirm.
2. With the 4.7 it needs about 3.5 gallons, more or less somewhat based on which radiator (standard or HD). Any good mechanic won't ask the customer how much it needs, they will find out themselves (or will already know).
3. Overheating at low speeds or idling is normally due to loss of airflow due to cooling fans (either mechanical clutch or electric) not operating normally, but can also be due to a clogged radiator.

#137 of 163 2003 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 by jesposito9027

Nov 14, 2011 (1:34 pm)

My Durango is experiencing similar overheating problems. It stared about 3 months ago. The first time it overheated it was on a fairly cool day (I wasn't using the A/C) the temp sensor went off so I pulled to the side of the road. When the car overheated the pressure built so much that it made a pin sized hole in my upper radiator hose so coolant went everywhere. After that I had both the lower and upper hoses and the thermostat replaced. I have also had the coolant purged and replaced. The car ran great for about a month and then it overheated a few more times. Every time it over heated it was on a fairly cold day and I was only traveling for 10-15 minutes. Also one thing I have noticed when it overheats, even though the temp gauge is at 1/2 the car blows cold air.
I have checked the coolant levels, non appears to be leaking. The car has just under 140,000 miles on it.
 
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

#138 of 163 2003 Dodge Durango Sporadic Overheating by galvestongal

Nov 14, 2011 (1:41 pm)

Well the Durango I recently posted about, I have gotten rid of. On a trip to see my parents it began overheating severely out in the middle of nowhere and left me stranded. After waiting 1.5 hours on the side of the road and more time in the service shop, they told me that it had finally blown a head gasket and that was the minimum of my worries on the Durango. So I decided enough was enough and we traded it in. I hated to see such an awesome little truck go, but I am relieved to know I won't be left on side of the road.

#139 of 163 Durangos Over Heating by 1sassygirl

Nov 16, 2011 (1:19 pm)

Hi Guys ... I had been struggling with my Durango over heating since 2008 ... Finally this summer I saw a post on here from "Mike" ... I did exactly what he said .... And it solved the over heating problems ... I put a new rad in and a $60 trans cooler (from AutoZone) ... Many thanks and blessings to Mike !!!

#140 of 163 Re: Durangos Over Heating [1sassygirl] by gopher0849

Nov 16, 2011 (9:58 pm)

Replying to: 1sassygirl (Nov 16, 2011 1:19 pm)
I am so happy that worked out for you. I am still driving mine with no problems. As far as gas milage I would replace the spark plugs. I know your probley say you have done this already but, two reasons why. There only only two types of plugs I would put in my truck and only one place I would get them from. The first plug is an NGK plug. Pretty much anybody carries them. The second plug honest escapes my mind but I wouldn't worry about it to much. Get the plugs from napa. The reason why is napa has a much better plug and yes you tend to pay a dollar much bur you have to break it down like this napa has class a plugs and your other notational chain store have the dollar cheap b plugs. Although they are the same in appearance they don't fire as
Good. I would to air and fuel filter. Aside from that I would go next 2'fill ups and put sea foam in the tank. Napa sells it and I'm sure other do to. Bit expensive but it will get rid of water in the gas.
 
Try that and let me know how you make out
 
Thnx mike
 
Ps spell problem very bad long day at work very very tired and typing on my iphone">link title

#141 of 163 Re: 2003 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 [jesposito9027] by 1bdf1

Nov 21, 2011 (10:16 pm)

Replying to: jesposito9027 (Nov 14, 2011 1:34 pm)
I have a 2001 Durango R/T 5.9L 4WD w/towing package.
 
Fought the problem and replaced the damaged radiator as well. Still smelled antifreeze and kept losing coolant as well. Found a small puddle behind front passenger tire and traced it to a device on the firewall (passenger side). After much research, the problem and solution was to replace this - the auxiliary water pump. The air is cold because this pump isn't working and probably has a leak causing the overheating as well. found one online through ebay for $89, same as OEM but Bosch (better). This overheating also caused my water pump to weep as well and replaced it too.
 
Good luck.
 
Ben

Messages Page 15 of 18

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