engine coolant JEEP LIBERTY 2002 KJ / 1.G User Guide

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
5. Pressure cap not installed tightly.
If cap is loose, boiling point of
coolant will be lowered. Also refer
to the following Step 6.5. Tighten cap
6. Poor seals at the radiator cap. 6. (a) Check condition of cap and
cap seals. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR PRESSURE
CAP - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(b) Check condition of radiator filler
neck. If neck is bent or damaged,
replace radiator.
7. Coolant not flowing through
system.7. (a) Check condition of pressure
bottle cap and cap seals. (Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR
PRESSURE CAP - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
(b) Check condition of radiator vent
nipple. If neck is damaged, replace
radiator.
(c) Check condition of the hose from
the radiator to the coolant tank. It
should fit tight at both ends without
any kinks or tears. Replace hose if
necessary.
(d) Check pressure bottle/overflow
tank and tanks hoses for blockage.
Repair as necessary.
8. Incorrect coolant concentration 8. Check coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT -
DESCRIPTION) for correct
coolant/water mixture ratio.
9. Fan installed backwards on
viscous drive.9. Mount fan on drive correctly.
10. Radiator or A/C condenser fins
are dirty or clogged.10. Remove insects and debris.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
RADIATOR - CLEANING).
11. Radiator core is corroded or
plugged.11. Have radiator re-cored or
replaced.
12. Fuel or ignition system
problems.12. Refer to FUEL and /or
IGNITION CONTROL for diagnosis.
13. Dragging brakes. 13. Check and correct as
necessary. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) for
correct procedures.
14. Bug screen or cardboard is
being used, reducing airflow.14. Remove bug screen or
cardboard.
KJCOOLING 7 - 7
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
15. Thermostat partially or
completely shut.15. Check thermostat operation and
replaces necessary. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/ENGINE
COOLANT THERMOSTAT -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
16. Viscous fan drive not operating
properly.16. Check fan drive operation and
replace as necessary. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/FAN DRIVE
VISCOUS CLUTCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
17. Cylinder head gasket leaking. 17. Check for cylinder head gasket
leaks. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). For
repair, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
18. Heater core leaking. 18. Check heater core for leaks.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
HEATER CORE - REMOVAL).
Repair as necessary.
19. Electric fan not functioning. 19. Inspect electric fan for proper
operation. Refer to Electric Cooling
Fan in this section. Refer to Group
8W for electric cooling fan and relay
circuit schematic data.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
IS INCONSISTENT (FLUCTUATES,
CYCLES OR IS ERRATIC)1. During cold weather operation,
with the heater blower in the high
position, the gauge reading may
drop slightly.1. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary.
2. Temperature gauge or engine
mounted gauge sensor defective or
shorted. Also, corroded or loose
wiring in this circuit.2. Check operation of gauge and
repair if necessary. Refer to Group
8J, Instrument cluster.
3. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine still running)3. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. Gauge should return
to normal range after vehicle is
driven.
4. Gauge reading high after
re-starting a warmed up (hot)
engine.4. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range after a few
minutes of engine operation.
5. Coolant level low in cooling
system (air will build up in the
cooling system causing the
thermostat to open late).5. Check and correct coolant leaks.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
7 - 8 COOLINGKJ
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
6. Cylinder head gasket leaking
allowing exhaust gas to enter
cooling system causing a
thermostat to open late.6. (a) Check for cylinder head
gasket leaks. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
(b) Check for coolant in the engine
oil. Inspect for white steam emitting
from the exhaust system. Repair as
necessary.
7. Water pump impeller loose on
shaft.7. Check water pump and replace
as necessary. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/WATER PUMP -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
8. Loose accessory drive belt.
(water pump slipping)8. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS
- DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Check and correct as necessary.
9. Air leak on the suction side of
the water pump allows air to build
up in cooling system causing
thermostat to open late.9. Locate leak and repair as
necessary.
PRESSURE CAP IS BLOWING
OFF STEAM AND/OR COOLANT
TO COOLANT TANK.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
MAY BE ABOVE NORMAL BUT
NOT HIGH. COOLANT LEVEL MAY
BE HIGH IN COOLANT RESERVE/
OVERFLOW TANK1. Pressure relief valve in pressure
bottle cap is defective.1. Check condition of radiator cap
and cap seals. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR
PRESSURE CAP - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). Replace cap as
necessary.
COOLANT LOSS TO THE
GROUND WITHOUT PRESSURE
CAP BLOWOFF. GAUGE READING
HIGH OR HOT1. Coolant leaks in radiator, cooling
system hoses, water pump or
engine.1. Pressure test and repair as
necessary. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
DETONATION OR PRE-IGNITION
(NOT CAUSED BY IGNITION
SYSTEM). GAUGE MAY OR MAY
NOT BE READING HIGH1. Engine overheating. 1. Check reason for overheating
and repair as necessary.
2. Freeze point of coolant not
correct. Mixture is too rich or too
lean.2. Check coolant concentration.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
COOLANT - DESCRIPTION) and
adjust ratio as required.
KJCOOLING 7 - 9
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HOSE OR HOSES COLLAPSE
WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING1. Vacuum created in cooling
system on engine cool-down is not
being relieved through coolant
reserve/overflow system.1. (a) Radiator cap relief valve
stuck. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR PRESSURE
CAP - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Replace if necessary
(b) Hose between coolant
reserve/overflow tank and radiator is
kinked. Repair as necessary.
(c) Vent at coolant reserve/overflow
tank is plugged. Clean vent and
repair as necessary.
(d) Reserve/overflow tank is
internally blocked or plugged. Check
for blockage and repair as
necessary.
NOISY VISCOUS FAN/DRIVE 1. Fan blades loose - 4.0L. 1. Replace fan blade assembly.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
2. Fan blades striking a surrounding
object.2. Locate point of fan blade contact
and repair as necessary.
3. Air obstructions at radiator or air
conditioning condenser.3. Remove obstructions and/or
clean debris or insects from radiator
or A/C condenser.
4. Thermal viscous fan drive has
defective bearing - 4.0L4. Replace fan drive. Bearing is not
serviceable. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
REMOVAL).
INADEQUATE HEATER
PERFORMANCE. THERMOSTAT
FAILED IN OPEN POSITION1. Has a Diagnostic trouble Code
(DTC) been set?1. (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS
CONTROL - DESCRIPTION) for
correct procedures and replace
thermostat if necessary
2. Coolant level low 2. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
3. Obstructions in heater hose/
fittings3. Remove heater hoses at both
ends and check for obstructions
4. Heater hose kinked 4. Locate kinked area and repair as
necessary
5. Water pump is not pumping
water to/through the heater core.
When the engine is fully warmed
up, both heater hoses should be
hot to the touch. If only one of the
hoses is hot, the water pump may
not be operating correctly or the
heater core may be plugged.
Accessory drive belt may be
slipping causing poor water pump
operation.5. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
WATER PUMP - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). If a slipping belt is
detected, (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS
- REMOVAL). If heater core
obstruction is detected, (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) for cooling system
reverse flushing.
7 - 10 COOLINGKJ
COOLING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEAM IS COMING FROM THE
FRONT OF VEHICLE NEAR THE
GRILL AREA WHEN WEATHER IS
WET, ENGINE IS WARMED UP
AND RUNNING, AND VEHICLE IS
STATIONARY. TEMPERATURE
GAUGE IS IN NORMAL RANGE1. During wet weather, moisture
(snow, ice or rain condensation) on
the radiator will evaporate when the
thermostat opens. This opening
allows heated water into the
radiator. When the moisture
contacts the hot radiator or
condensor, steam may be emitted.
This usually occurs in cold weather
with no fan or airflow to blow it
away.1. Occasional steam emitting from
this area is normal. No repair is
necessary.
COOLANT COLOR 1. Coolant color is not necessarily
an indication of adequate corrosion
or temperature protection. Do not
rely on coolant color for determining
condition of coolant.1. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
COOLANT - DESCRIPTION) for
coolant concentration information.
Adjust coolant mixture as
necessary.
COOLANT LEVEL CHANGES IN
COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW
TANK. TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS
IN NORMAL RANGE1. Level changes are to be
expected as coolant volume
fluctuates with engine temperature.
If the level in the tank was between
the FULL and ADD marks at normal
operating temperature, the level
should return to within that range
after operation at elevated
temperatures.1. A normal condition. No repair is
necessary.
FAN RUNS ALL THE TIME 1. Fan control sensors inoperative. 1. Check for DTC's. Verify sensor
readings.
2. Fan control solenoid stuck9on9. 2. Check fan operation speeds.
Refer to fan speed operation table.
3. Fan control solenoid harness
damaged.3. Check for DTC 1499. Repair as
required.
4. Transmission temperature too
high.4. Check for transmission over
temp. DTC.
5. Engine coolant temperature too
high.5. (a) Check coolant level. Correct
level as required.
(b) Thermostat stuck. Replace
thermostat.
(c) Water pump failed. Replace
water pump.
(d) Coolant flow restricted. Clean
radiator.
(e) Air flow over radiator
obstructed.Remove obstruction.
KJCOOLING 7 - 11
COOLING (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAINING COOLING
SYSTEM 3.7L ENGINE
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS (Fig. 5) OR LOOSEN THE
RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND
UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM
COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
(1) DO NOT remove radiator cap first. With engine
cold, raise vehicle on a hoist and locate radiator
draincock.
NOTE: Radiator draincock is located on the left/
lower side of radiator facing to rear of vehicle.
(2) Attach one end of a hose to the draincock. Put
the other end into a clean container. Open draincock
and drain coolant from radiator. This will empty the
coolant reserve/overflow tank. The coolant does not
have to be removed from the tank unless the system
is being refilled with a fresh mixture. When tank is
empty, remove radiator cap and continue draining
cooling system.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFILLING
COOLING SYSTEM 3.7L ENGINE
(1) Tighten the radiator draincock and the cylinder
block drain plug(s) (if removed).CAUTION: Failure to purge air from the cooling sys-
tem can result in an overheating condition and
severe engine damage.
(2) .Fill system using a 50/50 mixture of ethylene-
glycol antifreeze and low mineral content water.Fill
pressure bottle to service line.and install cap.
NOTE: The engine cooling system will push any
remaining air into the coolant bottle within about an
hour of normal driving. As a result, a drop in cool-
ant level in the pressure bottle may occur. If the
engine cooling system overheats and pushes cool-
ant into the overflow side of the coolant bottle, this
coolant will be sucked back into the cooling system
ONLY IF THE PRESSURE CAP IS LEFT ON THE
BOTTLE. Removing the pressure cap breaks the
vacuum path between the two bottle sections and
the coolant will not return to cooling system.
(3) With heater control unit in the HEAT position,
operate engine with pressure bottle cap in place.
(4) Add coolant to pressure bottle as necessary.
Only add coolant to the pressure bottle when
the engine is cold. Coolant level in a warm
engine will be higher due to thermal expansion.
NOTE: The coolant bottle has two chambers. Cool-
ant will normally only be in the outboard (larger) of
the two. The inboard chamber is only to recover
coolant in the event of an overheat or after a recent
service fill. The inboard chamber should normally
be empty. If there is coolant in the overflow side of
the coolant bottle (after several warm/cold cycles of
the engine) and coolant level is above cold full
when cold, disconnect the end of the overflow hose
at the fill neck and lower it into a clean container.
Allow coolant to drain into the container until emp-
tied. Reconnect overflow hose to fill neck.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM -
REVERSE FLUSHING
CAUTION: The cooling system normally operates at
97-to-110 kPa (14-to -16 psi) pressure. Exceeding
this pressure may damage the radiator or hoses.
Reverse flushing of the cooling system is the forc-
ing of water through the cooling system. This is done
using air pressure in the opposite direction of normal
coolant flow. It is usually only necessary with very
dirty systems with evidence of partial plugging.
CHEMICAL CLEANING
If visual inspection indicates the formation of
sludge or scaly deposits, use a radiator cleaner
Fig. 5 Drain Plug - 3.7L Engine
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK DRAIN PLUG
2 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND HEAT SHIELD
7 - 12 COOLINGKJ
COOLING (Continued)

(Mopar Radiator Kleen or equivalent) before flushing.
This will soften scale and other deposits and aid the
flushing operation.
CAUTION: Be sure instructions on the container are
followed.
REVERSE FLUSHING RADIATOR
Disconnect the radiator hoses from the radiator fit-
tings. Attach a section of radiator hose to the radia-
tor bottom outlet fitting and insert the flushing gun.
Connect a water supply hose and air supply hose to
the flushing gun.
CAUTION: The cooling system normally operates at
97-to-110 kPa (14- to-16 psi) pressure. Exceeding
this pressure may damage the radiator or hoses.
Allow the radiator to fill with water. When radiator
is filled, apply air in short blasts allowing radiator to
refill between blasts. Continue this reverse flushing
until clean water flows out through rear of radiator
cooling tube passages. For more information, refer to
operating instructions supplied with flushing equip-
ment. Have radiator cleaned more extensively by a
radiator repair shop.
REVERSE FLUSHING ENGINE
Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE). Remove the thermostat
housing and thermostat. Install the thermostat hous-
ing. Disconnect the radiator upper hose from the
radiator and attach the flushing gun to the hose. Dis-
connect the radiator lower hose from the water
pump. Attach a lead away hose to the water pump
inlet fitting.
CAUTION: Be sure that the heater control valve is
closed (heat off). This is done to prevent coolant
flow with scale and other deposits from entering
the heater core.
Connect the water supply hose and air supply hose
to the flushing gun. Allow the engine to fill with
water. When the engine is filled, apply air in short
blasts, allowing the system to fill between air blasts.
Continue until clean water flows through the lead
away hose. For more information, refer to operating
instructions supplied with flushing equipment.
Remove the lead away hose, flushing gun, water
supply hose and air supply hose. Remove the thermo-
stat housing (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/EN-
GINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - REMOVAL).
Install the thermostat and housing with a replace-
ment gasket (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/EN-
GINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT -INSTALLATION). Connect the radiator hoses. Refill
the cooling system with the correct antifreeze/water
mixture (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. In.
Lbs. Lbs.
Automatic Belt Tensioner to
Mounting
BracketÐBolt
2.4L - Ð -
4.7L 41 30 Ð
Automatic Belt Tensioner
PulleyÐ
Bolt
(3.7L) 61 45 Ð
Block HeaterÐBolt
2.4L - Ð -
3.7L 2 Ð 17
Condenser to Radiator Bolts 8 70
Coolant Overflow Bottle to
Plenum mounting bolts - 2.4L
only8.5 75
Coolant Pressure Bottle to
Plenum mounting bolts -3.7L
only8.5 75
Electric Fan to Fan Shroud
bolts5.5 50
Fan Blade Assy. to Viscous
Drive
Bolts 3.7L 23 Ð 210
Fan Shroud to Radiator
Mounting Bolts8Ð70
Radiator Upper Isolator to
Crossmember - Bolts 9.5 Ð 85
Thermostat HousingÐBolts
2.4L - - Ð
4.7L 13 Ð 115
Water PumpÐBolts
2.4L Ð Ð Ð
4.7L 54 40 Ð
KJCOOLING 7 - 13
COOLING (Continued)

ENGINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COOLANT RECOVERY PRESS CONTAINER
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................20
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT
DESCRIPTION - 3.7L ENGINE.............21
OPERATION...........................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - THERMOSTAT . . . 21
REMOVAL - 3.7L ENGINE.................21
INSTALLATION - 3.7L ENGINE.............22
RADIATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
REMOVAL.............................23
CLEANING............................24
INSPECTION..........................24
INSTALLATION.........................24
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR
PRESSURE CAP......................25CLEANING............................25
INSPECTION..........................25
RADIATOR FAN - ELECTRIC
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................27
RADIATOR - FAN - VISCOUS
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VISCOUS FAN
DRIVE..............................28
REMOVAL.............................28
CLEANING............................29
INSPECTION..........................29
INSTALLATION.........................29
WATER PUMP
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - WATER PUMP...........29
DESCRIPTION........................29
OPERATION - WATER PUMP..............30
REMOVAL.............................30
CLEANING............................31
INSPECTION..........................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
COOLANT RECOVERY PRESS
CONTAINER
DESCRIPTION
This system works along with the radiator pres-
sure cap. This is done by using thermal expansion
and contraction of the coolant to keep the coolant
free of trapped air. It provides:
²A volume for coolant expansion and contraction.
²A convenient and safe method for checking/ad-
justing coolant level at atmospheric pressure. This is
done without removing the radiator pressure cap.
²Some reserve coolant to the radiator to cover
minor leaks and evaporation or boiling losses.
As the engine cools, a vacuum is formed in the
cooling system of both the radiator and engine. Cool-
ant will then be drawn from the coolant tank and
returned to a proper level in the radiator.
The coolant reservoir/overflow system has a radia-
tor mounted pressurized cap, an overflow tube, and a
plastic coolant reservoir/overflow tank, mounted to
the right side of the cowl. It is mounted to the cowlwith two nuts on top, and a slide bracket on the bot-
tom.
OPERATION
The pressure chamber keeps the coolant free of
trapped air, provides a volume for expansion and con-
traction, and provides a convenient and safe method
for checking and adjusting coolant level at atmo-
spheric pressure. It also provides some reserve cool-
ant to cover minor leaks, evaporation or boiling
losses. The overflow chamber allows coolant recovery
in case of an overheat.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
used to sense engine coolant temperature. The sensor
protrudes into an engine water jacket.
KJENGINE 7 - 19

The ECT sensor is a two-wire Negative Thermal
Coefficient (NTC) sensor. Meaning, as engine coolant
temperature increases, resistance (voltage) in the
sensor decreases. As temperature decreases, resis-
tance (voltage) in the sensor increases.
OPERATION
At key-on, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
sends out a regulated 5 volt signal to the ECT sensor.
The PCM then monitors the signal as it passes
through the ECT sensor to the sensor ground (sensor
return).
When the engine is cold, the PCM will operate in
Open Loop cycle. It will demand slightly richer air-
fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds. This is done
until normal operating temperatures are reached.
The PCM uses inputs from the ECT sensor for the
following calculations:
²for engine coolant temperature gauge operation
through CCD or PCI (J1850) communications
²Injector pulse-width
²Spark-advance curves
²ASD relay shut-down times
²Idle Air Control (IAC) motor key-on steps
²Pulse-width prime-shot during cranking
²O2 sensor closed loop times
²Purge solenoid on/off times
²EGR solenoid on/off times (if equipped)
²Leak Detection Pump operation (if equipped)
²Radiator fan relay on/off times (if equipped)
²Target idle speed
REMOVAL
2.4L
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
installed into a water jacket at left front of cylinder
head (Fig. 1).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain cooling system.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(3) Remove sensor from cylinder head.
3.7L
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is
installed into a water jacket at front of intake mani-
fold near rear of generator (Fig. 2).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.(1) Partially drain cooling system.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(3) Remove sensor from intake manifold.
Fig. 1 ECT AND UPPER TIMING BELT COVER/
BOLTS-2.4L
1 - UPPER TIMING BELT COVER
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR (ECT)
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 2 MAP SENSOR / ECT SENSOR - 3.7L
1 - MOUNTING SCREWS
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
7 - 20 ENGINEKJ
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Replace any lost engine coolant.
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT
DESCRIPTION - 3.7L ENGINE
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
A pellet-type thermostat controls the operating
temperature of the engine by controlling the amount
of coolant flow to the radiator. On all engines the
thermostat is closed below 195ÉF (90ÉC). Above this
temperature, coolant is allowed to flow to the radia-
tor. This provides quick engine warm up and overall
temperature control. On the 3.7L engine the thermo-
stat is designed to block the flow of the coolant
bypass journal by 50% instead of completely blocking
the flow. This design controls coolant temperature
more accurately (Fig. 3).
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes other prob-
lems. These are: longer engine warmup time, unreli-
able warmup performance, increased exhaust
emissions and crankcase condensation. This conden-
sation can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - THERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
All models are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics for certain cooling system components.If the pow-
ertrain control module (PCM) detects low engine
coolant temperature, it will record a Diagnostic Trou-
ble Code (DTC). For other DTC numbers, (Refer to 25
- EMISSIONS CONTROL - DESCRIPTION).
The DTC can also be accessed through the DRB
scan tool.
REMOVAL - 3.7L ENGINE
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND PRESSURIZED.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Do not waste reusable coolant. If solution is clean,
drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
If thermostat is being replaced, be sure that
replacement is specified thermostat for vehicle model
and engine type.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Remove splash shield.
(5) Remove lower radiator hose clamp and lower
radiator hose at thermostat housing.
(6) Remove thermostat housing mounting bolts,
thermostat housing and thermostat (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 Thermostat
1 - FROM HEATER
2 - FROM RADIATOR
3 - TO WATER PUMP
4 - ENGINE BYPASS
5 - THERMOSTAT
KJENGINE 7 - 21
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)