Chrysler Repair: overheating? or loose cap?, chrysler sebring convertible, 2004 chrysler sebring

Question
I have a 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Convertible
Limited.  Today when my daughter brought it home it was
somewhat overheating and steaming.  I opened the hood to
check and noticed the radiator cap was loose.  Water was
spewing from around it.  Would the radiator cap being loose
have caused it to overheat or would it have loosened up by
itself to relieve the pressure of overheating caused by
another reason.  Please advise. Thank you

Answer
Hi Laurie,
The coolant container cap should not be loose on its own accord. When you push down and twist it clockwise it should 'latch' in a detent position which prevents it from unscrewing on its own accord. If it was earlier on tight in that manner then it is very unlikely that you would find it they way you did. The last person to open it didn't turn it down tight, probably.
I would check the level of coolant so see if there is any in the container bottle. It should be there and at the level between the min and the max marking on the side of the container. You didn't mention which size engine that you have so I can't give you the exact instructions on refilling the system if you believe that very much coolant was lost. You could start by adding coolant very slowly through the cap opening.
Roland