2002 Dodge Ram 1500 3.7v6 idles cool drives hot

10

Asked by Guru9ZKQK2 Dec 12, 2020 at 04:45 PM about the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 ST RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Ok guys, I have a 2002 Ram 1500 it had a radiator
leak, I replaced radiator and the thermostat and
filled the with coolant let idle with cap off for a little
over a hour. Went to leave for work everything was
fine until i got on the freeway. Started running hot
not overheating but hot. I love burped the system
multiple times and at a loss. The truck will sit there
and idle at normal operating temps all day until you
drive it

5 Answers

3,105

Sounds like there could be some air in the system. Idling doesn't open the thermostat and when it opened it allowed air to circulate and cause it to overheat or run hot. Some systems take awhile to bleed out. It's best to top off and check to see what your level is at cold. Also defective caps make it run hotter but I hope you got one with changing the radiator and thermostat.

2 people found this helpful.
157,625

Running hot or overheating at expressway speeds is caused by poor coolant circulation. I'd suspect a failing water pump, sticking thermostat, or clogged cooling system passages that need a good flushing out. Hope that helps! Jim

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
10

So I decided to freeze my butt off in the driveway today, 30° here in Michigan. Drain the coolant and because the aftermarket radiator I bought doesn’t have a drain plug I had to remove the lower hose off the radiator. The easiest way to do that is to take the two bolts out of the thermostat housing. As soon as it’s done draining I pull the hose back with the thermostat housing attached and right away notice the thermostat was in backwards. I’m stupid

1 people found this helpful.
157,625

We all make mistakes! The important thing is you discovered it before any damage was done to the engine! Thanks for letting us know! Glad you fixed it! Jim

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 71 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $4,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    20,280
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,290
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,760
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,975 listings starting at $2,975
Used GMC Sierra 1500
148 Great Deals out of 7,258 listings starting at $3,950
Used Dodge RAM 2500
23 listings starting at $9,975
Used Toyota Tundra
35 Great Deals out of 1,184 listings starting at $8,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
55 Great Deals out of 1,071 listings starting at $8,708
Used Dodge Durango
46 Great Deals out of 2,266 listings starting at $5,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
16 Great Deals out of 1,285 listings starting at $8,995
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
24 Great Deals out of 1,204 listings starting at $7,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
109 Great Deals out of 3,238 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
24 Great Deals out of 911 listings starting at $11,900
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.