Dear Tom,
I own a 2004 Dodge Neon that recently broke down because of a ruptured transmission oil cooler tank in the radiator. I took the car to a transmission shop and they told me that both the radiator and the transmission have to be replaced because the antifreeze and the transmission fluid mixed. Is this covered under a recall? Do I have to replace the transmission?
Michael from Williamsburg, VA
Michael,
Yes, the transmission must be replaced due to the failure of the transmission oil cooler in the radiator tank. When coolant mixes with transmission oil and circulates through the system, the transmission suffers severe damage. Rubber seals swell up and hydraulic pressure is lost within the unit. In addition, the coolant dissolves the glue that holds the clutches together inside the transmission. I checked my resources and this condition is not covered under a recall from Chrysler. Sorry for the bad news. Best to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I am trying to replace the thermostat in my ’98 Chevy Blazer. However, I can't locate it! I know it is either in the top or bottom hose, but it is hard to trace the hoses because everything is packed in so tightly and I don't have a good light source. Do you have a diagram or can you point me in the right direction? Thanks!
Amy from Lowell, GA
Amy,
If you follow the upper radiator hose to the engine you will find the thermostat housing. The housing has two bolts that secure it to the engine. These need to be removed to gain access to the thermostat. When you replace it, make sure to thoroughly clean the housing and gasket mating surface on the engine. Also, make sure the thermostat is installed right side up (spring down inside the engine). Success to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I recently revamped a ’95 Nissan Pathfinder that had been sitting in a garage for three years. It runs great but the temperature gauge just stopped working. Any ideas what could be wrong?
Bill from Wilmington, DE
Bill,
To isolate the problem, find where the sending unit screws into the engine (usually in a water jacket on the intake manifold). Once you locate the sending unit, disconnect the wire that plugs into it. Then ground the wire while watching the gauge inside the truck. If the gauge goes too hot, the sending unit is defective and must be replaced. If the gauge does not move after grounding the sending unit wire, then there is a problem either with the wiring between the sender and the gauge in the dash, or with the gauge itself (defective). Good luck.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
Comments