Chrysler Repair: Chrysler 300m 2001:overheating, temp gauge, chrysler 300m

Question
my 300m started overheating.  the fans seem to be running okay  where do i start to figure out the problem?  thermostat or what?

Answer
Hi Trina,
What are the symptoms, other than the reading of the temp gauge being high? Is coolant coming out of the overflow bottle? Is there a gradual loss of coolant occuring, how often do you have to add coolant to the system? Are you adding a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water to the system? Any sign of leaks from the radiator or on the ground under the engine when it sits overnight? Any signs of excess white smoke from the tailpipe when you start the car from cold? Do the manifolds on each end (side) of the radiator equally warm? Do you hear bubbling coming from the radiator/cooling system before the temp gauge passes half scale (open the hood and listen)? Are the radiator fins free of mud/debris so air can flow through the radiator(put a light behind it to see if you can see it from in front)? To test the thermostat whether it is opening, it would have to removed and put in a pan of heating water to see when the water reaches around 190F if it has begun to open or not. These are some of the questions I/you would want to answer to focus in on the exact cause. Look into some of these as you can and get back to me with anything significant that you can share. Also mention which engine you have.
Roland
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