Q: PT Cruiser, replaced radiator and thermostat, dashboard gauge reads normal but car is running hot and having to add coolant daily

asked by on May 04, 2017

Having to add coolant and/or water daily, replaced radiator 3 months ago, replaced thermostat 3 weeks ago, dashboard gauge reads normal even though the engine is running hot, when stopped you can hear a bubbling or gurgling sound, can't find a leak, but after car has been parked there's a puddle.

Car is overheating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is reading normal temperatures because the fluid temperature sensor needs to be in the fluid to give an accurate reading. The second there is a leak and the fluid level drops, that sensor is reading air, and the gauge is giving a bad reading. Coolant leaks can be internal or external. For that reason, you must not rule out the option that your vehicle is consuming the coolant. This most commonly happens when you have a bad head gasket. In this case you will usually find white smoke (steam) coming from your exhaust. The leak must be at least partly external, because of the puddle you are finding. The only way to resolve the issues is to find and fix that leak. A dye test may be your best bet, which you can do at home with the right tools, or by a technician. For more help with finding and fixing the leak, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How does the automatic transmission work?
Automatic transmissions are simpler to operate than manual transmissions are, but you should still be familiar with how they work. The shift indicator in the dash shows you the gear selected. You can also see this on the gearshift between...
Speedometer not working correctly
Your assumption sounds about right, either the sensor and or the cable are sending some mixed signals to the dash and it doesn't know what to do with it. Have a certified mechanic take a look at your speedometer components...
How to get to the windshield washer reservoir.
Your washer fluid reservoir is located in the right (passenger) side of the vehicle. To access the tank for removal/replacement, you must remove the right fender liner which is the black plastic that surrounds the interior of the wheel well....
Second opinion on a front lower control arm issue.
Hi there. I seriously doubt that both or either lower control arm is broken; if that was the case you wouldn't have been able to drive your vehicle to another shop for a second opinion. My best guess would be...
Car will not shift into gear - 2007 Mini Cooper
Hi. There are a couple of reasons for this problem. One is that the clutch master cylinder has gone bad and will not engage the clutch when you are pressing on the clutch pedal. Another possible cause of this problem...
Is it a fuel pump issue?
It's possible that a failing fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement), or a clogged fuel filter or fuel injectors for that matter, can cause stalling at idle but there are other common causes such as vacuum leaks, EGR system faults, sensor faults such...
Check engine light/traction control
The traction control system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use of electronic sensors that communicate with the Power Train Control Module (PCM) regarding steering...
Humming/vacuum sound from engine
Based on your description, it sounds like you might have a vacuum leak. I would recommend looking around under your hood to see if any hoses are flat, torn, or have holes in them. This will create a vacuum leak...
The D light on the dashboard keeps blinking after the gear shift from reverse to drive
Hi There, The blinking D light indicates that there is a problem with the transmission. This may be something mechanical such as a shift solenoid or possibly some electrical such as a transmission speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-speed-sensor-replacement). This may also indicate...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Fuel Return Hose
If your car has a carburetor and it gets flooded, fuel is leaking, or the car smells of gas, you may need to replace the fuel return hose.
How to Flush Your Cooling System
Flushing Flushing the cooling system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-it-mean-to-flush-fluids-in-a-car) is part of every vehicle's scheduled maintenance. This procedure is usually required every two to four years, depending on the vehicle. It is important to perform this maintenance at its scheduled time because the...
How to Get Chrysler Dealership Certified
Chrysler car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the MOPAR CAP (Career Automotive Program).