DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat is operated by a wax filled cham-
ber (pellet) which is sealed. When heated coolant
reaches a predetermined temperature the wax pellet
expands enough to overcome the closing spring and
water pump pressure, which forces the valve to open.
Coolant leakage into the pellet will cause a thermo-
stat to fail open. Do not attempt to free up a thermo-
stat with a screwdriver.
Thermostat diagnostics is included in powertrain
control module's (PCM) programing for on-board
diagnosis. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will
illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will
be set when an ªopen too soonº condition occurs. Do
not change a thermostat for lack of heater perfor-
mance or temperature gauge position, unless a DTC
is present. For other probable causes, (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Thermostat failing shut is the normal long term
mode of failure, and normally, only on high mileage
vehicles. The temperature gauge will indicate this
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 2.4L
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system below the thermostat
level. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove radiator upper hose from the coolant
outlet housing (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove coolant outlet housing bolts and hous-
ing (Fig. 8).
(4) Remove thermostat. Discard gasket and clean
both gasket sealing surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place a new gasket (dipped in clean water) on
the coolant outlet connector surface. Position thermo-
stat with air bleed at the 12 o'clock position in ther-
mostat housing (Fig. 8).
(2) Position the coolant outlet connector and gas-
ket over the thermostat, making sure thermostat is
seated in the thermostat housing.
(3) Position outlet connector to thermostat housing
and install bolts (Fig. 8). Tighten bolts to 28 N´m
(250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the radiator upper hose to coolant outlet
housing (Fig. 7).
(5) Refill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system down below the thermo-
stat level. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove radiator upper hose from coolant outlet
connector (Fig. 9).
Fig. 7 RADIATOR HOSES TO ENGINE - 2.4L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
Fig. 8 Thermostat and Outlet Connector - 2.4L
Engine
1 - THERMOSTAT
2 - GASKET
3 - COOLANT OUTLET CONNECTOR
4 - BOLT
RSENGINE7-23
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(3) Position a new gasket over the thermostat and
connector making sure thermostat is in proper posi-
tion and in the recess provided.
(4) Install thermostat and connector assembly to
the intake manifold (Fig. 10). Tighten bolts to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the radiator upper hose to coolant outlet
connector (Fig. 9).
(6) Refill the cooling system to the proper level.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
RADIATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove radiator upper crossmember support.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPENING
REINFORCEMENT - REMOVAL)
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK PLUG OR THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE
BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN
OCCUR.
(3) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Remove the radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
(5) Disconnect coolant reserve/recovery hose.
(6) Remove vapor purge solenoid from mounting
bracket.
(7) Disconnect upper and lower hoses from the
radiator (Fig. 13) or (Fig. 14).(8) Remove the A/C condenser side brackets to
radiator attaching screws (Fig. 15). Separate the con-
denser from the radiator by lifting upward to disen-
gage from lower mounts (Fig. 15). Allow the
condenser to rest in front of radiator.
(9) Radiator can now be lifted free from engine
compartment.Care should be taken not to dam-
age radiator cooling fins or water tubes during
removal.
INSTALLATION
(1)Be sure the air seal is in position before
radiator is installed.Slide radiator down into posi-
tion. Seat the radiator with the rubber isolators into
the mounting holes provided, with a 10 lbs. force.
(2) Position air conditioning condenser onto the
radiator lower mounts and install upper screws (Fig.
15). Tighten fasteners to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the radiator upper and lower hoses (Fig.
13) or (Fig. 14).
(4) Connect the coolant reserve/recovery hose.
(5) Connect the vapor purge solenoid to the mount-
ing bracket.
(6) Install the radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION)
(7) Install the radiator upper crossmember sup-
port. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE
OPENING REINFORCEMENT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(9) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 13 Radiator Hoses to Radiator - 2.4L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
3 - HOSE SUPPORT CLIP
Fig. 14 Radiator Hoses to Radiator - 3.3/3.8L
1 - UPPER HOSE
2 - LOWER HOSE
RSENGINE7-25
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Use of pliers on draincock is not recom-
mended. Damage may occur to radiator or drain-
cock.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove draincock dur-
ing a routine coolant drain.
(1) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Open the draincock by turning it counterclock-
wise until it stops.
(3) Turn the draincock back (clockwise) 1/8 turn.
(4) Pull the draincock (Fig. 16) from the radiator
tank.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align draincock stem to radiator tank opening.
(2) Push draincock into the radiator tank opening.
(3) Tighten the draincock by turning clockwise
until it stops.(4) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
DESCRIPTION
The cooling system pressure cap is located on the
radiator. The cap construction includes; stainless
steel swivel top, rubber seals, and retainer, main
spring, and a spring loaded valve (Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 Radiator to A/C Condenser Mounting (left
mount shown, right similar)
1 - SCREW - A/C CONDENSER SIDE BRACKET TO RADIATOR
2 - LOWER MOUNT
3 - A/C CONDENSER
Fig. 16 Draincock
1 - RADIATOR TANK
2 - DRAINCOCK
Fig. 17 Cooling System Pressure Cap Filler Neck
1 - OVERFLOW NIPPLE
2 - MAIN SPRING
3 - GASKET RETAINER
4 - STAINLESS-STEEL SWIVEL TOP
5 - RUBBER SEALS
6 - VENT VALVE
7 - RADIATOR
8 - FILLER NECK
7 - 26 ENGINERS
RADIATOR (Continued)
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WARNING: THE WARNING WORDS ªDO NOT OPEN
HOTº ON THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP IS A
SAFETY PRECAUTION. WHEN HOT, PRESSURE
BUILDS UP IN COOLING SYSTEM. TO PREVENT
SCALDING OR INJURY, THE RADIATOR CAP
SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED WHILE THE SYSTEM
IS HOT OR UNDER PRESSURE.
There is no need to remove the radiator cap at any
timeexceptfor the following purposes:
(1) Check and adjust coolant freeze point.
(2) Refill system with new coolant.
(3) Conducting service procedures.
(4) Checking for vacuum leaks.
WARNING: IF VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUN RECENTLY,
WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING CAP. THEN
PLACE A SHOP TOWEL OVER THE CAP AND WITH-
OUT PUSHING DOWN ROTATE COUNTERCLOCK-
WISE TO THE FIRST STOP. ALLOW FLUIDS TO
ESCAPE THROUGH THE OVERFLOW TUBE AND
WHEN THE SYSTEM STOPS PUSHING COOLANT
AND STEAM INTO THE CRS TANK AND PRESSURE
DROPS PUSH DOWN AND REMOVE THE CAP COM-
PLETELY. SQUEEZING THE RADIATOR INLET HOSE
WITH A SHOP TOWEL (TO CHECK PRESSURE)
BEFORE AND AFTER TURNING TO THE FIRST
STOP IS RECOMMENDED.
CLEANING
Use only a mild soap to clean the pressure cap.
INSPECTION
Hold the cap in your hand,top side up(Fig. 20).
The vent valve at the bottom of the cap should open.
If the rubber gasket has swollen, preventing the
valve from opening, replace the cap.Hold the cleaned cap in your hand,upside down.
If any light can be seen between vent valve and the
rubber gasket, replace the cap.Do not use a
replacement cap that has a spring to hold the
vent shut.
A replacement cap must be of the type designed for
coolant reserve systems. This design ensures coolant
return to the radiator.
RADIATOR FAN
DESCRIPTION
The dual radiator fans are mounted to the back
side of the radiator (Fig. 21). The radiator fan consist
of the fan blade, electric motor and a support shroud
which are all serviced as an assembly.
Fig. 20 Cooling System Pressure Cap
1 - OVERFLOW NIPPLE
2 - MAIN SPRING
3 - GASKET RETAINER
4 - STAINLESS-STEEL SWIVEL TOP
5 - RUBBER SEALS
6 - VENT VALVE
7 - RADIATOR
8 - FILLER NECK
7 - 28 ENGINERS
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP (Continued)
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(3) Install closure panel and attaching screws.
(4) Connect negative cable to battery.
WATER PUMP - 2.4L
DESCRIPTION
The water pump has a cast aluminum body and
housing with a stamped steel impeller. The water
pump bolts directly to the block (Fig. 23). The cylin-
der block to water pump seal is provided by a rubber
O-ring. The water pump is driven by the engine tim-
ing belt.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise vehicle on a hoist.
(3) Remove the right inner splash shield.
(4) Remove the accessory drive belts (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(5) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Support engine from the bottom and remove
right engine mount. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT - REMOVAL).
(7) Remove right engine mount bracket (Fig. 24).
(8) Remove the timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKET(S)
- REMOVAL).
Fig. 22 Radiator Fan Relay
1 - FRONT FASCIA
2 - FAN RELAY
3 - RIVET
4 - A/C CONDENSER (FRONT SIDE)
Fig. 23 Water Pump
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - WATER PUMP
RSENGINE7-31
RADIATOR FAN RELAY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(9) Remove timing belt idler pulley.
(10) Hold camshaft sprocket with Special tool
C-4687 and adaptor C-4687-1 while removing bolt.
Remove both cam sprockets.
(11) Remove the timing belt rear cover (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COV-
ER(S) - REMOVAL).
(12) Remove the generator and bracket (Fig. 24).
(13) Remove water pump to engine attaching
screws (Fig. 25).
CLEANING
Clean gasket mating surfaces as necessary.
INSPECTION
Replace water pump body assembly if it has any of
these defects:
(1) Cracks or damage on the body.
(2) Coolant leaks from the shaft seal, evident by
wet coolant traces on the pump body.
(3) Loose or rough turning bearing.
(4) Impeller rubs either the pump body or the
engine block.
(5) Impeller loose or damaged.
(6) Sprocket or sprocket flange loose or damaged.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install new O-ring gasket in water pump body
O-ring locating groove (Fig. 26).
CAUTION: Make sure O-ring is properly seated in
water pump groove before tightening screws. An
improperly located O-ring may be damaged and
cause a coolant leak.
(2) Assemble pump body to block and tighten
screws to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 25). Pressurize
cooling system to 103.4 Kpa (15 psi) with pressure
tester and check water pump shaft seal and O-ring
for leaks.
(3) Rotate pump by hand to check for freedom of
movement.
(4) Install the timing belt rear cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COVER(S)
- INSTALLATION).
(5) Install camshaft sprockets and torque bolts to
101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) while holding camshaft sprocket
with Special tool C-4687 and adaptor C-4687-1.
(6) Install timing belt idler pulley and torque
mounting bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 24 Generator Bracket
1 - BRACKET - ENGINE MOUNT 5 - BOLT
2 - BOLT 6 - TENSIONER - DRIVE BELT
3 - GENERATOR 7 - BOLT
4 - BOLT 8 - BOLT
7 - 32 ENGINERS
WATER PUMP - 2.4L (Continued)
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(7) Install the timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKET(S)
- INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the generator mount bracket. (Fig. 24)(9) Install the generator.
(10) Install right engine mount bracket and engine
mount (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/
RIGHT MOUNT - INSTALLATION).
(11) Fill the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(12) Install the accessory drive belts (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Lower vehicle and connect battery cable.
WATER PUMP - 3.3/3.8L
DESCRIPTION
The water pump has a die-cast aluminum body
and a plastic impeller. It bolts directly to the timing
chain case cover, using a rubber seal for sealing (Fig.
27). It is driven by the accessory drive belt.
REMOVAL
(1) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the accessory drive belt shield.
(3) Remove the accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove water pump pulley bolts (Fig. 27).
Fig. 25 Water Pump - 2.4L
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - WATER PUMP
Fig. 26 Water Pump Body
1 - IMPELLER
2 - WATER PUMP BODY
3 - O-RING LOCATING GROOVE
Fig. 27 Water Pump - 3.3/3.8L Engine
1 - WATER PUMP
2 - PULLEY - WATER PUMP
3 - BOLT - PULLEY
4 - BOLT - WATER PUMP
5 - SEAL - WATER PUMP
RSENGINE7-33
WATER PUMP - 2.4L (Continued)
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(2) Position the water pump pulley loosely between
pump housing and drive hub (Fig. 28).
(3) Install water pump and pulley to the timing
chain case cover (Fig. 27). Tighten water pump bolts
to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(4) Position pulley on water pump hub. Install
bolts and tighten to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.) (Fig. 27).
(5) Rotate pump by hand to check for freedom of
movement.
(6) Install the accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(7) Install drive belt shield.
(8) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE -
2.4L
DESCRIPTION
The 2.4L engine uses a metal tube to connect the
engine block to the lower radiator hose and heater
return (Fig. 32). The tube has an O-ring for block to
tube sealing and bolts attach the tube to the engine
block.
REMOVAL
(1) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove radiator upper hose to access the hose
connections at the inlet tube.(3) Remove radiator lower (Fig. 7) and heater
hoses from the inlet tube (Fig. 33).
(4) Remove the two fasteners that hold the inlet
tube to the block.
(5) Rotate tube while removing the tube from the
engine block.
INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect the O-ring for damage before installing
the tube into the cylinder block (Fig. 32).
(2) Lube O-ring with coolant and install inlet tube
into the cylinder block opening (Fig. 32).
(3) Install the two inlet tube fasteners and tighten
to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect the radiator lower hose (Fig. 7) and
heater hose to inlet tube (Fig. 33).
Fig. 31 Water Pump Seal
1 - WATER PUMP HOUSING
2 - SEAL
3 - IMPELLER
Fig. 32 Water Pump Inlet TubeÐ2.4L Engine
1 - O-RING
2 - WATER PUMP INLET TUBE
Fig. 33 Water Pump Inlet Tube Hose Connections
1 - WATER PUMP INLET TUBE
2 - HOSE - HEATER RETURN
3 - COOLANT INLET
RSENGINE7-35
WATER PUMP - 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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