Neon '01 overheating (gasket, engine, FWD, Dodge)

[CMPX2]

My Neon w/136k mi is overheating in traffic. I can cruise the hwy all day and it's fine. Put it in stop and go traffic and it heats right up and starts smoking. I have had the radiator replaced about 2 years ago. I'm the original owner and I know it's due for a water pump and belt (think they're around $500 at a shop). Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Gimme3steps]

First thing, have you made sure the radiator is full of coolant?

From your description it sounds like an air flow problem except for the smoke.
Where is the smoke coming from?
Are you sure it's smoke and not steam?
Can you hear the cooling fan cycle on and off?
Does having the ac on make any difference in the temp?
Does the cooling fan come on when you turn the ac on?

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by CMPX2

My Neon w/136k mi is overheating in traffic. I can cruise the hwy all day and it's fine. Put it in stop and go traffic and it heats right up and starts smoking. I have had the radiator replaced about 2 years ago. I'm the original owner and I know it's due for a water pump and belt (think they're around $500 at a shop). Any suggestions?

Thanks.

It is the engine fan.

[CMPX2]

Originally Posted by Gimme3steps

First thing, have you made sure the radiator is full of coolant?

From your description it sounds like an air flow problem except for the smoke.
Where is the smoke coming from?
Are you sure it's smoke and not steam?
Can you hear the cooling fan cycle on and off?
Does having the ac on make any difference in the temp?
Does the cooling fan come on when you turn the ac on?

Thanks for the reply.
I'll check the coolant, but I think it's ok.
You're right, it's steam coming from under the hood not smoke.
No, I do not hear a fan kicking on.
The A/C doesn't work at the moment..I think the system needs to be filled.

[CMPX2]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

It is the engine fan.

Is this an easy fix? New fan? new switch? DIY job? Thanks.

[Gimme3steps]

Originally Posted by CMPX2

Is this an easy fix? New fan? new switch? DIY job? Thanks.

You'll have to determine if it's the fan motor or if it's not getting the signal to come on. The fan should come on when you turn on the ac whether the ac works or not.

A quick way to tell if it's the fan motor is to tap it when it should be on. Sometimes that will make it work, just don't hit it too hard. And watch out for the belts and anything hot.

There are other things it could be ( wiring, relay, controller or any combination). If you can't determine exactly what the problem is do you have someone who could look at it for you?

[CMPX2]

Originally Posted by Gimme3steps

If you can't determine exactly what the problem is do you have someone who could look at it for you?

I live in the sticks, but do I have a mechanic I use for things. I'm not sure how many neons he's worked on. I'll take it to him and have him try the fans first if I can't get it. Thanks again.

[Linson]

your electric fan isnt working. when it comes to overheating, it's either a water flow issue or an airflow issue. the fact that your car only overheats when sitting relatively still (no air being forced through the radiator) indicates that your fan (who's job it is to force air through the radiator when the car is relatively still) is not engaging.

[M3 Mitch]

If you start the car up with the hood up, starting from warm or cold but not fully hot, you should see the electric radiator fan(s) start as the coolant heats up. I am betting they don't work.

At least on water-cooled VW cars, the problem with this is *usually* the thermostatic switch that turns the fan on, has failed.

I'm assuming this car has no engine-driven fan, just one or two electric ones, like most transverse-engine FWD cars. Never had a Neon.

As an uncomfortable work-around, you can turn the heater on, run that fan with the windows open - uncomfortable but better than overheating el motor and having to do a head gasket or worse.

[Tennesseestorm]

Do not drive it until the engine fan is working... you will cause engine damage if not already. Did your temperature gauge go into the red zone?

Also, hate to say it, but those cars are known for blowing head gaskets, which would cause the car to overheat. I have a friend with a 2001 Dodge Neon that she bought new and it needed a new head gasket in 2006, when it had only 75K miles. It was replaced and is fine now.

Sometimes allowing to overheat can lead to head gasket failure as well. However, since you said its fine on the highway, I dont think it sounds like a head gasket problem, as it would overheat then too. Sounds like its your fan causing it.

I hope this is not the problem... check the cheaper things first.