2001 Jeep Cherokee Logo
Posted on Sep 10, 2009
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Car runs hot while idling, then cools down when you start driving. Have to add antifreeze but cant tell where it is leaking. could it be a heater valve busted or is it possibly the water pump?

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  • Jeep Expert 332 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 10, 2009
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It`s easy to see if the water pump is working just drain some of the fluid out of the radiator and look inside while vehicle is running NOTE due this only when vehicle is cold.
Know if it`s not flowing after it starts to warm up then either the thermostat is stuck closed or the water pump is bad i would start with the thermostat if i where you the other job is a lot harder and more expensive
Also the fluid disappearance could be caused by the fluid boiling out when it gets hot one last note check pressure cap on radiator for wear or cracks if bad replace hope this helped you.

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  • Jeep Master 1,779 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 10, 2009
Curt  Downs
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If there is no visible leak (dripping or puddle under car after parking), check the engine oil. If it's milky white, your coolant is leaking into the oil (head gasket is bad). When the car runs hot when idling, is the cooling fan kicking on? If not, the switch that is supposed to signal the fan to turn on at a certain temp is defective, or possibly the fan motor is bad. Check the water pump for signs of leakage. There is a weep hole at the center under the pulley that spins the pump. Use a small mirror to look for evidence of a leak there. If you find it, replace the pump, as the leak will get worse, and is a sign of the bearings going bad.

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If i just put water and no coolant could this make my car over heat

No your car will not overheat, but it is advisable to my 50% coolant on the water to prevent deposits of rust and other debris that may affect the effectiveness of the cooling system.
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Can i drive my 2010 jeep liberty with a leaking heater core?

The heater uses the coolant (read antifreeze and water) from the engine to get hot. If it runs low enough, by say leaking out of the heater core, your engine will overheat and that can be bad for it and expensive to fix.
Although most antifreeze is poisonous, (don't drink it) if you keep your window open the fumes will not hurt you. That being said, it will stain the carpet, make the inside of the car smelly, leave a puddle on the floor, cause the floor boards to rust(slowly) and mainly be annoying.
Since we are starting into summer you can get by for awhile by just adding water to the coolant tank under the hood. Make sure you do this when the engine is not hot. Engine coolant can give you severe burns if you take the cap off when the engine is hot.
So, about an hour after you get home from work go and check the engine coolant level. If you can hold onto the radiator hose then it is cool enough to add some more water. If you add more water then leaks out you can drive the jeep.
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Hot heat at idle cool when driving

is there a chance that one of your heater hoses are clogged? or where they connect to the engine are clogged still? sounds like a clogged system. Cracked heater housing? Outside air bypassing the heater coil while driving?
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Why would my heater blow out cool air when sitting still and then hot air when going down the road and then it's not all that hot

Try flushing or blowing high pressure air through the heater core lines. its sludge build up and need to be flushed through heater core only. check antifreeze fluid level. only put in straight antifreeze, do not mix. most people do not know what mixture should be, so be safe and add straight, it will not hurt it, i run 100% straight antifreeze and never had a problem or worry about it ever freezing and cracking my block, heads or radiator cracking.
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Heater blows cold air when the truck is idling or in stop and go traffice

a question to an answer: is your truck has any heat when you rev it 2000 rpm, or above?
have you check your coolant level? if level is low you have a small coolant leak, a water pump may be at fault, and causing air pockets in your heater core, check for leaks your self, dealer wont tell you if vehicle still under warranty.
good luck
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My heat In my car is not working unless u are driving then heat will blow out hot but when the car is not in motion the air turns cold. I already replace the water pump,and thermostat

sounds like its down to the last resort ,drain antifreeze then refill with cold water and add about 300grms of caustic soda ,drive around for a day or so then as soon as heater starts to work ,flush the cooling system PROPERLY then re add your antifreeze and away you go with a nice warm car





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2004 cheverolet impala 3.4L engine - Started running hot. Had never changed antifreeze, bought a flush and refilled with antifreeze. Ok for several weeks, started running hot again. Replaced the...

Sounds like you have an air;lock in your cooling system.Try placing a bleeder on the return hose to the heater core ........looks like a small tap
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I have a 98 cavalier. it runs hot after engine is runnung for a while. the fan comes on and helps it a bit but not enough. and the air from the heater inside never gets warm , where do i start? thx

It sounds like you need to service your cooling system. The cooling system may need to be flushed out due to dirty from corrosion. A sign of no heat in the heater and the engine is hot is low on antifreeze in the system. Check the antifreeze level first and add water just to get around to buy the things you need to service the cooling system. Buy antifreeze and a thermostat, drain the old antifreeze and replace the thermostat. Add new antifreeze with a 50/50 mix solution water/antifreeze. Too much antifreeze will gel and the cooling system will still run hot and to much water will boil over. Good luck. Keep me posted be glad to help.
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Leaking antifreeze

first, remember that any leak will run down...There is nothing near your muffler that contains antifreeze, therefore, what ever is leaking has been blown back there while driving. Open up the hood and look to see where leak is originating. check all hoses, hose connections, radiator, rug under heater in the cab and everything associated with cooling system. You will see antifreeze coming out somewhere. Once you locate the leak, I can help you deal with it. Do not open the radiator when engine is hot! Do not drive with low coolant condition! This is not a solution...yet...I'ts the beginning of one!
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