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2006 Chrysler Sebring overheating problems
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kgs821
New User
Jan 24, 2012, 5:49 PM
Post #1 of 2
(11047 views)
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2006 Chrysler Sebring overheating problems
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Hi everyone, I drive a 2006 Chrysler Sebring Touring (2.7 L, V6) with 69k miles on it that I purchased used in May of 2011. Over the past summer it had a few overheating problems, a faulty radiator cap and cracked overflow tank were both fixed and it was completely fine for the rest of summer and fall. Problems started arising once the winter started (I live in MA) The thermostat would rise to normal heat, but cold air would blow from the vents when I tried to use the heat. Only on a 4 hour drive would the heat work properly. I thought it could be the thermostat but a mechanic checked that out and said that it was fine, and he just refilled my antifreeze supply because it was low. As winter has gone by, the heat still hasn't worked on most drives. Most of the time I'm commuting less than 2 miles to college, going to the grocery store down the street or the bank, so my engine doesn't really warm up, even if I let it run a bit before going. Also, on start up I started noticing white-ish smoke coming out of the exhaust. But this week I was about to drive about an hour to see my girlfriend at her college, and the second I got on the highway the temperature gauge rose up very quickly to overheating, even throwing the heat on (which blew cold air) did nothing and I was forced to pull over and wait for the coolant to stop bubbling and cool down before I carefully drove back home. I checked the coolant tank and I noticed it was sludgy and not its normal green color.
After doing some research, I found that a few of these symptoms are those of a blown head gasket, but I know every situation is different and wanted to try to get a definitive diagnosis before I had a mechanic perform hours of labor on my car.
Could it be a blown head gasket? If not, what else?
Is it safe to drive around town and not go on the highway for a while?
I've heard of the "gunk" stuff that can be a temporary fix for stuff like this, is that safe to use?
Thanks to any help I get
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 25, 2012, 4:50 AM
Post #2 of 2
(10974 views)
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Re: 2006 Chrysler Sebring overheating problems
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Hey neighbor. With the wild temp swings here in MA (usual) some white smoke upon start ups and for a while unless it's staying in the single digits all day (not yet) is normal BUT you are seeing it, consuming coolant and not getting heat. Granted very short runs you won't get much and you see goo in the recovery tank now so I suspect it already had a dose of cover up crap/sealer of any type.
This smacks of a head gasket and more junk will just make matters worse and enough will clog heater. I know and done it to buy one more week out of a car for someone - ZERO heat.
So don't use "magic mechanic" stuff for much of anything.
The no heat is probably due to low coolant level and or bubbles/air in cooling system even when running HOT wont transfer heat - liquids do.
It really should be fully diagnosed before you bite the bullet as sometimes it NOT head gasket issues but bases are loaded so expect that Bo-Sox home run. But you wont like this one.
Long done with any biz but if anywhere near Framingham/Marlborough/Hudson area hit me with a private message by clicking on my name above the Kitty (mascot of site) and just maybe I can suggest a place for some help. Hate to see you or anyone blow the bucks for an unnecessary repair,
T
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