Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

[JB]

Re: Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

Seems to me that all this flush, change caps, etc, etc. is worse than a band-aid.

The Jeep was rated at 3500# by Chrysler, notorious for engineering stuff to just barely meet spec, and it is does not have the tow package. Now he has a 3000# package to tow (not counting fuel, tackle, coolers, etc, etc.) and it is overheating. Surprise!!

You got real lucky last year, Collin. Your luck has run out. Your vehicle and your boat package are not compatible.

 

[orion25]

Re: Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

You may want to check your tranny fluid as well. Since it is cooled by the rad and you are towing at or over your jeeps tow limit I would guess it is burnt or close to it. If you change it make sure you only use ATF+4 or you will be replacing a tranny soon.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

I am close to you and tow a 17' with an XJ. It's my second one and every one I buy runs hot when I first get it and I replace the radiator and then it's fine. I'd have hoped the Liberty would have a better radiator but maybe that isn't the case.

-E

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

The Liberty's radiator does the job pretty well when you aren't towing over the limit. They do however spring leaks in those plastic end caps due to the cheap engineering that Chrysler offers these days.

I've never had any problems with my KJ over heating but I'm pulling 700 pounds tops with my boat and maybe 3000 pounds when I haul a enclosed trailer of my dads. I'd never go any higher than that though - it's still just a liberty.

 

[dodgeramsst2003]

Re: Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

Well, several people have already hit the nail on the head. Sounds like you have a plugged radiator. This is a lot more common than you think on vehicles that run the red ( OAT) coolant. That stuff is bad news as far as I'm concerned. I have run many engines at work that use the stuff, and I don't believe in it. I had a blazer for a while that came with the red coolant, flushed it out and ran regular green coolant as to avoid the plugging problems. Everyone has their own opinion on this. Do some research on google etc and you will find a lot of people have this problem when running the red. Another thing to look at is the air conditioning condensor in front of the radiator. Is it plugged with a bunch of stuff? If so, take it into the shop, or get some condensor cleaner, and a garden hose. Be careful not to bend the fins or you'll have more trouble than you already do.

 

[Robj]

Re: Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

I tow my 18 foot bowrider with a Jeep Liberty and it does fine. Will not break any speed records, and still manage to get over 21 mpg (Canadian gals) when towing. The only difference is mine does not have the tow package and I ordered it with a 5 speed which I really like. I have had no overheating problems to date, and I climb some pretty steep hills. Another benefit of the standard is I do not have the heat generated by an automatic to deal with.

I agree with the others it sounds like your rad is plugged. You should be able to get a new rad for relatively cheap. I would still use the OEM coolant though. Using the other types may cause more trouble.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

This is a lot more common than you think on vehicles that run the red ( OAT) coolant.

The coolant used in Chrysler vehicles is not an OAT coolant commonly found in GM products. Here is a great article about the differences between OAT and HOAT coolants.

by Dave Turcotte - Vavoline

HOAT, used in Chryslers is much improved over OAT. The coolant color is really clear but Chrysler dyed it to make it different from the "standard" green coolant.

Another good read on coolant

 

[Robj]

Re: Jeep Liberty overheating after about 20 minutes

The coolant used in Chrysler vehicles is not an OAT coolant commonly found in GM products. Here is a great article about the differences between OAT and HOAT coolants.

by Dave Turcotte - Vavoline

HOAT, used in Chryslers is much improved over OAT. The coolant color is really clear but Chrysler dyed it to make it different from the "standard" green coolant.

Another good read on coolant

Those are great articles. Learned alot about coolants in a 10 minute read.

Thanx,

Rob.