Chrysler Repair: 2001 Chrysler Sebring Conv. Overheating, chrysler sebring convertible, chrysler sebring

Question
Hi Ronald,

I have a 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, V6, and the other day it nearly overheated while I was driving. I had been driving for only about 15 minutes when I noticed the engine temperature going way up and the light coming on. When I turned the car off there was smoke/steam coming from under the hood (it was late at night so I'm not sure which it was). I put in some coolant the next day and it took an entire gallon which seems like a lot. It hasn't happened again but I haven't drive for more than 30 minutes since that has happened. I tried the on-off-on-off-on to get an error code and once I got "done" but since then I haven't gotten any codes, none beginning with a P at all. Also, a few days before the "overheating" happened I was putting oil in my car and I noticed around the thermostat that it was wet and there was a sizzling sound coming from where it was wet. It didn't smell like anything so I assume it is water but it seems odd that it was wet at all. It doesn't look like there is a hole in the hose because that wasn't wet at all. It was just wet on the left side next to the plastic holding tank for the coolant at what I think is the thermostat. I'm hoping you can tell me what's wrong. I've also noticed that when I filled up the coolant it was at the "max" line and the next day I couldn't see any coolant in there at all. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks,

Lacee

Answer
Hi Lacee,
From what you report I would suspect a leak in the place where you saw wetness/sizzle. It could be the hose, the hose clamp is loose, or the manifold to which the hose attaches is slightly loose so tighten the bolts just a bit that hold it in place. Then check again after driving far enough to get the engine warm to see if the wetness has returned or not. You are clearly loosing coolant from somewhere. By the way, do you notice any unusual amounts of white smoke from the exhaust pipe when you start the car in the morning? That is the sign of a leak in a head gasket which is another pathway to loss of coolant. Also check to be sure the oil looks normal and is not cloudy as that too is a sign of such a leak. The other possibility is that the thermostat is not functioning properly and is opening too late (at to high a temperature), or that the cooling fans are not coming on when the temp gauge goes toward the H. So let me know what you observe.
Roland