Need to add coolant to radiator 2001 chrysler concorde

SOURCE: Very hot car.

I'd test the fan by connecting it directly to the battery to verity it is functioning. If it is, check the relays that control the fans they should be located in the fuse box in the engine bay. If the relays are ok the only other thing that could be causing the problem is the temp sensor on the radiator.

SOURCE: car won't start wants to turn over but nothing.

sounds like you have a blown head gasket this would explain loss of coolant and running poorly excessive smoke.

SOURCE: 2003 PT Cruiser overheating

Hi Shannon,

Since the vehicle is already at the mechanics, the standard check this and that scenarios don't apply. I also try to refrain from judging a situation that I'm not in front of, but something isn't quite right.

In case you are being taken advantage of, knowledge is power and I'm going to do my best to empower you. So let's get to the right questions to ask your mechanic.

• I find it disturbing that it took only five miles to overheat.If they filled it with coolant and enough leaked out to allow it to overheat in under ten minutes, that leak should have been apparent. Did they not even check?
  
• Did they take it for a test drive? At least run it until it warmed up? If so, HOW DID THEY NOT NOTICE? If not, HOW DID THEY FILL IT? The engine needs to be running to circulate the coolant, to get rid of air pockets remaining in the engine as you fill the radiator. For this to happen, the engine needs to be warm enough for the thermostat to open and allow circulation. Again, how did they not notice?
  
• What about the oil? Another leak? From where? Did they check?
  
• Was the radiator new? If not, why $400. If so, where is the old one? (You might call a local salvage yard for their price on a replacement)
  
• Did they flush the system?
• Did they check the thermostat?
• Did they try to figure out why the radiator cracked? Was it just a crack or what looked like a blowout?
• Did they check the hoses
• Did they check the water pump? Was it leaking through the weep hole or shaft? Was the coolant circulating? Was it discolored? Was there evidence of oil in it? How much coolant was added? How much should it take? (Good one, eh?)
  

Things to make note of:

• Have you noticed water pooling where you park?
• Loss of power
• Excess smoke
• Oil in the coolant
• Coolant in the oil

These (not necessarily all) symptoms can be indicative of a problem with the head gasket. The best way to check is with a compression test on all cylinders. This is done by pulling the spark plugs, attaching a pressure gauge and turning the engine once. This is repeated for each cylinder. All pressures should be close. If one or more is significantly less than the others, the cylinder is not containing the compressed gasses within. The symptoms you described along with any one of those on my list should have prompted this test.

Every one of the questions (just about every one) I put down would be reasonable if your car kept working perfectly the first time. I did get on a bit of a rant, please forgive me for that.
When asking them:

• You should speak to the person that did the work (so he doesn't have to 'go check with whoever' to get their stories straight).
  
• You should expect clear concise responses. If he starts going over your head with 'Techno-Babble', stop him and say, "Plain English, start again please".
  
• His demeanor should be embarrassed and trying to make it right, convince you he knows his stuff and this was just a fluke. (Possible, I've been hit by lightning, but what were the odds?)

I hope there is a reasonable explanation, I don't like to think ill of anyone. I also will not stand for violating professional ethics or people being ripped off.

If these guys are trying to pull a fast one, they are lazy by nature. They are hoping for the same in those they take advantage of. Being prepared is key.

If you have one of those digital voice recorders, make sure it has fresh batteries and set it to record. The second you start asking questions you have the momentum, they are on the defensive.

Ask as many questions as you want. If you don't get straight answers, if you get waffling, condescension or BS, have them get your car ready to go, Don't pay them another dime. And as you leave, ask my final question: Do you guys know a good mechanic?

If you decide to take them to court, that recording is evidence. Their response to that question will likely win you the case.

I hope I have given you enough ammo to get to the bottom of this. If you need anything else comment me back, I'll respond as soon as I get it.

Either way, please let me know what happens. Can you tell I have issues with a certain type of 'business person'? ;-)

Best Regards,
Mike

SOURCE: I have a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country minimvan

May be a bad head gasket check oil for signs of coolant mixing in there may be a cracked head or even a bad head gasket. Going by what you said that there is NO visible leak the only other way for you to be loosing coolant if for it be burning out by engine or mixing in oil. To check for mixing check under oil cap for creamish-while residue or oil looking like milk shake. Good luck and thanks for using FIX YA

SOURCE: fuel filter for 2001 chrysler concorde

for the most part it on the driver side under the car close to the frame of the passenager side just in front of the rear tire in the frame also checkout this website to see if they have your car listed its www.autozone.com if they do you be able to get pictures and diagram showing you where its located on your car.