2002 Grand Caravan Leaking Coolant

[FordBoss88]

I thought that only Fords leaked coolant. Today, I noticed that there was coolant leaking down the left side (alternator side) of the van. As I inspected the radiator, I noticed coolant about half way up between the two cooling fans. Is this a broken radiator or a hose leak?

Thank You,

FordBoss88

[Cntrysthbst]

Mine did the same thing, leaked in the same place. I took the fans off and the top housing to the radiator off to find that the transmission cooler had damaged the radiator right in the middle. The transmission cooler is between the radiator and the evap. for the AC. The transmission cooler housing pop-rivots came loose, which caused the cooler to rub/vibrate/etc against the radiator and caused a small leak. Its hard to see till you take the top housing off. I had to do alot of shopping around cause the radiators here are very expensive, I bought one online for about 140 included shipping no core either. The cooler about 60. Wasn't to hard to replace.

[FordBoss88]

Hello Cntrysthbst,

You were right. Just as you stated. I used two very short tapcons to temporarily attach the top strap to the top of the Transmission cooler to hold it away from the radiator. I then added a bottle of Prestone Stop-Leak and the coolant has stopped leaking. I plan to get a pop-rivet gun and the make the repair.

Thank You.

[earlyrizr]

Ok lets make mine the 3rd, just last weekend I had the same problem smelled coolant for a while but never saw any leaks till sat.. when it just puddled the coolant.Upon inspecting I too found the tranny cooler broke the rivets free from the top and bottom supports,causing it to dig into the rad fins. Never had any good luck with the stop leak stuff, it always clogged the heater core. And while I had to change the rad I did the T-stat also.