2001 Jeep Cherokee overheating
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Model: Cherokee
2001 Jeep Cherokee overheating
I bought a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Antifreeze was brownish color. I decided to flush and clean. Also, I wasn't getting any heat.
I installed a flush kit due to the fact I couldn't reach the drain plug on the radiator. I didn't want to break it off. I flushed the antifreeze and disposed it properly. I poured in a cleaning product with water. Ran the engine for about 15 mins with the heat on. I flushed out the heater core and I started getting heat prior to the rinse.
I flushed out again and the water was cleaner but not real clean. I repeated another flush and the water was somewhat clean. I drained that water and poured in straight antifreeze. Used about 1.5 gallons of straight AF. I tested the AF and it tested about -50f. I filled the overflow tank and made sure I had a secure seal.
My daughter drove the Jeep the next day. After about 65 miles, the temp was rising. She pulled over and let it cooled. She preceded to drive home after it cooled and didn't have a problem.
When I came home, I checked the cooling fan. Check fuses, relays...the whole nine yards. Everything ok.
I replaced the Thermostat and cooling sensor. I ran the engine to normal temp (195) and the fan didn't come on. Should I have bought a lower temp sensor?
Anywho...its still runs warm after about 70 miles of steady driving.
Help! What would be a next step? I am thinking a radiator cleaning.
I installed a flush kit due to the fact I couldn't reach the drain plug on the radiator. I didn't want to break it off. I flushed the antifreeze and disposed it properly. I poured in a cleaning product with water. Ran the engine for about 15 mins with the heat on. I flushed out the heater core and I started getting heat prior to the rinse.
I flushed out again and the water was cleaner but not real clean. I repeated another flush and the water was somewhat clean. I drained that water and poured in straight antifreeze. Used about 1.5 gallons of straight AF. I tested the AF and it tested about -50f. I filled the overflow tank and made sure I had a secure seal.
My daughter drove the Jeep the next day. After about 65 miles, the temp was rising. She pulled over and let it cooled. She preceded to drive home after it cooled and didn't have a problem.
When I came home, I checked the cooling fan. Check fuses, relays...the whole nine yards. Everything ok.
I replaced the Thermostat and cooling sensor. I ran the engine to normal temp (195) and the fan didn't come on. Should I have bought a lower temp sensor?
Anywho...its still runs warm after about 70 miles of steady driving.
Help! What would be a next step? I am thinking a radiator cleaning.
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Last night it was running above 210...maybe 225? After messing with it today, I noticed when I drove to a local store about 3 miles away, when I came out and started it up...the electric fan kicked on. It never did this until the new cooling sensor
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How many sensors does the 01 Cherokee have on it? I changed the one in the thermostat housing. When I changed it, the electric fan started working correctly. Is there another sensor for the engine cooling?
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I think that the sensor for the dash gauge is in the driver side rear corner of the head.
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Year: 2001, 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
97+ there is only one coolant temperature sensor. Its on the thermostat housing. Before changing the sensor, have you checked the thermostat housing with a IR thermometer? There is no "fan sensor". The PCM turns on the electric fan if the coolant temp is high enough, and depending on year, if the A/C is on or the A/C high pressure reaches a certain pressure (I can't remember off hand, maybe 350?)
One hash mark past 210 is not really overheating; its just running hotter than it ought to unless you're in the desert.
The electric fan does not come on until about 215-218F.
Unless you're cooling system is in perfect condition don't expect the gauge to read spot on 195. And even if it was, you can still expect 210 or a needle width above it sitting in traffic. If the condenser is beat up for years of bugs, rocks, etc it can be reducing airflow causing a bit higher temps. If the fan clutch is weak it can cause poor A/C performance and temperatures to rise at slow or stopped speeds. If the radiator isn't new, it can have crud in it that you are unlikely to get out or will spend more money trying than buying a new $100 Spectra radiator.
One hash mark past 210 is not really overheating; its just running hotter than it ought to unless you're in the desert.
The electric fan does not come on until about 215-218F.
Unless you're cooling system is in perfect condition don't expect the gauge to read spot on 195. And even if it was, you can still expect 210 or a needle width above it sitting in traffic. If the condenser is beat up for years of bugs, rocks, etc it can be reducing airflow causing a bit higher temps. If the fan clutch is weak it can cause poor A/C performance and temperatures to rise at slow or stopped speeds. If the radiator isn't new, it can have crud in it that you are unlikely to get out or will spend more money trying than buying a new $100 Spectra radiator.
Last edited by md21722; 05-25-2015 at 12:55 AM.
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