You know your Dodge or Ram truck is in excellent condition when you only have to make a simple stop for gas and get on the road again. But what if you start noticing some warning signs that your radiator needs a repair? What are the symptoms of a bad radiator? Here are six different signs to look out for that indicate your vehicle needs radiator repair at your Dodge dealer or Ram dealer:
1) Your Vehicle Is Overheating
This is probably the most common sign that your radiator needs to be repaired or replaced. If you’re driving along and all of a sudden, your engine begins running much hotter than usual, it’s time for a check-up and possible repair. Overheated engines can cause many problems like warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, and even warped manifolds. When the engine overheats to this point, it can cause severe damage if not repaired quickly.
2) Your Vehicle Is Running Rough
Another sign that your Dodge or Ram truck may need to see the mechanic is if the vehicle begins running rough, either idling roughly or bucking erratically while at speed. Even if you’ve recently had your fuel filter replaced, this could indicate a problem with the radiator or hoses.
3) You Have Low Coolant Levels
If you’ve recently filled up your radiator with fresh coolant but can’t find any leaks, air pockets may be trapped in your cooling system preventing the fluid from circulating. This could create “hot spots” in the engine that are running hotter than usual. Low coolant levels are also a sign of big problems if left unattended for too long, so have your vehicle checked out by your dealer as soon as possible.
4) The Radiator Is Leaking
If you notice small drips under your car when you park or a puddle of fluid in the morning, it could be time to replace your radiator. In severe cases, a bad radiator will constantly leak and cause irreversible damage if not fixed immediately.
5) The Radiator Fan Is Not Working
If you notice that your engine is overheating regularly, have your dealership check your radiator fan. The engine control module can detect when the temperature rises and sends electrical pulses to the radiator fan. If you notice that this is no longer working, it could be time for replacement or repair since most modern cooling systems require both parts to work together.
6) Your Radiator Cap Is Broken or Missing
A broken or missing radiator cap can cause problems with overheating and coolant flow through your engine. This should be replaced immediately to avoid further damage to other parts of your cooling system. Don’t try to fix this problem on your own; it needs to be checked by a professional. The last thing you want is to stress the cooling system even further by using a replacement radiator cap that doesn’t have the right specs or pressure rating.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait to get that radiator checked! Get in touch with Bill Snethkamp CDJR today. We can help diagnose the problem and fix it for you fast, so your vehicle is back on the road as soon as possible.
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