The radiator is the part of your Chrysler’s cooling system that exchanges the heat from your engine for cooler outside air. It does this to control the temperature in your engine. A radiator can get damaged, and then you’ll need a radiator repair. As your Chrysler dealer in Odessa, TX, we’d like you to know the signs that we need to fix your radiator for you.
Signs You Need a Radiator Repair at Your Chrysler Dealer
Damaged Water Pump
Your engine is cooled by the liquid coolant. This liquid is pumped through your engine, and it absorbs engine heat as it moves the radiator. In the radiator, a heat exchange takes place between the hot coolant and the cooler outside air. Once the coolant temperature has dropped, it’s recirculated through the system to start the process again.
To work effectively, coolant must be pumped at high speed, and that’s where the water pump comes in. If the pump fails, coolant will be released from the coolant reserve tank, but it won’t go anywhere. Without this steady flow of coolant, your engine temperature could get out of control. Our technicians will test the pump and replace it if it’s the problem.
Damaged Fins
The heat exchange function of your radiator takes place in the fins. These are thin aluminum tubes are placed in horizontal rows at the front of your radiator. The thin tubes provide the largest possible surface area for cooling. Air blows in through the radiator grille and then blows across these tubes. The engine heat in the coolant is dissipated by the airflow of cooler air.
The fins are made from aluminum as this makes them light and allows for faster heat exchange. Unfortunately, aluminum is more easily damaged. Small stones, grit, and other substances drawn in through the grill can dent or damage the tubes. If enough of the tubes are damaged, the coolant won’t flow into the radiator, and your engine temperature will start to rise.
Broken Radiator Fan
When your car is moving, the heat exchange in the radiator is governed by the flow of air. The faster your car moves, the more air is drawn through the grille, and the faster cooling occurs. If your car isn’t moving, this form of cooling won’t work. If your engine is idling and your car isn’t moving, a fan attached to the rear of the radiator will automatically switch on.
This fan blows across the tubes from behind and cools the coolant in the tubes. If this fan fails, you won’t notice a problem until you’re in a situation where your engine is idling. If you don’t hear the sound of the fan activating and your engine temperature rises, the most likely cause is a broken fan. Our technicians will check the fan. If the fan has failed, we will have to replace the radiator as the fan can’t be detached.
If your radiator is showing signs of trouble, call us ASAP at All American Chrysler Jeep Dodge Odessa.
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