Car thinks it's overheating, but it's not

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Car thinks it's overheating, but it's not

Postby GrammaCar » Mon May 02, 2016 8:16 pm

Hey, everybody.

So my car thinks it's overheating, but it's really not.

When I start my car it's fine. It says to me everything's OK.

Then after a few seconds the Engine light comes on, but very dim. Then slowly, after about two minutes it brightens up and the car tells me the engine is overheating.

A while back I replaced the Coolant Temp Sender, and I noticed the wire lead was broken. I crimped and soldered it back together, not like a pro though. I just used a regular butt connector and soldered over it. Do you think this is causing the problem?
GrammaCar
 
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2014 11:24 pm
Car Information: 1984 Chrysler E-Class 2.2L Turbo

Re: Car thinks it's overheating, but it's not

Postby K-CAR_WAGON » Tue May 03, 2016 4:02 pm

Start by reading the stored fault codes. It could be a lot of things including multiple failures. Some fault tests are performed only during start-up; other tests are only performed after a start-up time out interval. Sometimes the car goes into a limp mode if certain tests fail.

You can test your repaired connections with a meter (ohmmeter and/or voltmeter).
K-CAR_WAGON
Car Fan
 
Posts: 54
Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:42 pm
Car Information: Plymouth, Reliant Wagon, 1983

Re: Car thinks it's overheating, but it's not

Postby GrammaCar » Tue May 03, 2016 4:09 pm

Cool. Thanks for the advice.

I tested the butt connector before I installed it, and didn't get any significant resistance reading. The DMM read the same as if I just held the leads together. And with it crimped on and soldered, I get no additional resistance that my DMM can read.

So that's probably fine then, right?

I'm thinking maybe the parts store I got the sender from just didn't have the '84 specific part.

I'll check the other codes though.

Thanks!
GrammaCar
 
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2014 11:24 pm
Car Information: 1984 Chrysler E-Class 2.2L Turbo

Re: Car thinks it's overheating, but it's not

Postby K-CAR_WAGON » Tue May 03, 2016 6:34 pm

Yes, connection probably ok. You could probably also check to see if there is voltage at the connection (while connected) with respect to ground to make sure the lead going back to the computer is ok.

Here is a link with some more information. Apparently the 1984 temp sensor is unique, so maybe your replacement part was incorrect.
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/ecu/co ... mp_se.html


If you determine the installed sensor is incorrect, you could try Marty at Arizona parts http://arizonaparts.com/ to see if he has a good sensor or maybe post on turbo mopar forum http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/content.php or the turbo dodge forum http://www.turbododge.com/ to see if anybody has one for sale.

Marty could at least give you the correct mopar part number to look for, even if he does not have one in stock.

Note: There are apparently 2 temp sensors used on the 84 2.2 turbo (coolant sensor and charge air temp sensor).
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/ecu/ch ... mp_se.html
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/ecu/co ... mp_se.html
K-CAR_WAGON
Car Fan
 
Posts: 54
Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:42 pm
Car Information: Plymouth, Reliant Wagon, 1983


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