Overheated

2005 DODGE MAGNUM
208,100 MILES • 2.7L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROB1614
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I sat in traffic for awhile and came home hot a shower and went back out to McDonalds. It then overheated sitting there i turned it off after i parked and it began to cool down fast. Only time it has overheated. I check to make sure no leaks but the heat takes awhile and its better when i drive. The fans kick on but only if i mess with it. What should i do to figure it out?
Nov 4, 2020 at 5:37 PM
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ROB1614
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I have tried to burp it to make sure no air is in it either. Is there anything you could give me advice to try?
Nov 4, 2020 at 5:41 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Did you check the coolant level and make sure that it was not dropping? I would suggest we start with a pressure test and go from there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

There is a chance that you have an air pocket in the heater core.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Once it holds a pressure for at least an hour we can go from there.

Lastly, can you clarify the issue with the fan? Are you talking about the blower fan or the cooling fans under the hood?
Nov 4, 2020 at 5:57 PM
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ROB1614
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The coolant level hasn't dropped, but I'm going to check it again tomorrow and i want to put it under a pressure test but i work. The fans don't seem like they run unless i unplug the coolant sensor but the relays are good. i have to check the fuses.
Nov 4, 2020 at 6:00 PM
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ROB1614
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And how would i check a pocket in the heater core?
Nov 4, 2020 at 6:01 PM
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KASEKENNY
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So if the fans only come on when the sensor is unplugged then we need to check the operation of the sensor. Does the engine coolant temperature gauge in the dash work properly? Did it show the engine getting hot?
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Nov 4, 2020 at 6:30 PM
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ROB1614
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Yes, it did all that.
Nov 4, 2020 at 6:31 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Okay. Any chance you have access to a scan tool that can monitor live data? Do any of your friends have one if you do not? We need to find out if the PCM is commanding them on. I suspect it is not but what is odd is when the sensor is unplugged the PCM commands the fans on. Which would mean the sensor is most likely reading improperly but if the gauge is working then that doesn't prove out because the gauge gets the signal from the ECT as well. I have to imagine the PCM is the issue but I would like some more proof of that first.
Nov 4, 2020 at 7:08 PM