04 gets hot

[Richard S]

Guage shows two marks off the 260 to 260 degrees when the temp is 103 or better outside. Gas mileage drops from 20 to 15mpg. A/C runs warm. The thermostat has been changed. The fan seems to be normal acting. Vehicle seems to be fine as long as it isn't over 103. The dealer says this is normal. There is no check engine light and they have checked the guage. My nephew has one just like it and his doesn't do this. Thanks for any ideas.

[maxwedge]

Sounds like the electronic fan clutch may not be kicking into high as demanded, a full scan with a bi-directional scanner can command and confirm it's operation.

[rubberman]

there is a service bulletin ot on this. i think its TSB 04-01-38-019A, replacement of fan clutch and a PCM update

[maxwedge]

There is a TSB, but it pertains to the clutch staying in the high position causing a loss of power and the " helicopter noise," but either way that may fix the overheating.

[Richard S]

Scanned it and it shows no codes. It didn't do this until last summer when the dealer worked on the A/C. Its has started getting hot at lower temps now. There is plenty of coolant in the radiator. I did find a plug for the fan that didn't seem to be connected properly. I will have to test drive to see if it fixed it. Thanks for the help.

[maxwedge]

I did not say look for codes, a bi -directional scanner is required to check the fan operation, then if ok the diagnostics go to the next step.

[envoyxuv]

If your engine is running as hot as the gauge says it is, you may also want to have the engine block checked to see if you haven't blown the head gasket. Those aluminum inline engines don't do too well with consistent overheating.