About Pete Lacey Expertise Have been a Dodge mechanic for 32 years. I know all dodge trannys, motors, front ends, including rear-wheel drive cars from 1960 to 1999. Also know how to repair electrical systems.
Experience Auto mechanic for 32 years. Have my own shop.
Question My 98 Durango "check gauges" light came on while driving and I saw the temp gauge all the way up. Stopped the truck and saw steam coming from under the hood. Popped the hood and saw the engine very wet with antifreeze. Radiator cap was cold. Had been driving about 30 minutes. Being about 5 miles from home, I hopped back in, cranked the heater to high and managed to make it home. The gauge kept going from mid point to almost over the safe line but it never tripped the gauge again on the way home. The heater is blowing ice cold air. I most likely made it home because the outside temp was about 25 degrees. Where do I start trouble shooting? Truck has 109000 miles on it. I can't see an obvious leak but the dip tube in the overflow on the left side of the radiator was dry. I refilled with one gallon of 50/50 mix. It is definitely leaking somewhere because the engine was wet all over and so was the ground. Engine appears to be running fine. No odd noises etc. The radiator and hoses do not look wet. Water pump? Heater core? Thanks for reading.
Answer hello frank
if it was the heater core the pasnger side of the car would be wet.
since you can not find a leak at this time this could be a very simpile fix
change the thermostiac it sounds like it did not open stuck shut .
try that first then let me know .
Good luck to u frank and if you need more help just let me know . and please rate me pete
