I bought this car used at 115k miles and within three months I've added 15k with NO PROBLEMS ! Recently, driving up a slight grade at 80mph, the temp gauge abruptly went to 3/4 hot. I stopped and put in more antifreeze, but could not find any leaking. Continued driving up slight grade at 70mph, started overheating again. I stopped and waited just a bit and then continued another 30 miles into town at 60mph with no problems.
AND now the heater doesn't work. Except when I really stress the engine, the temp gauge starts to rise and THEN I turn on the heater, to check...and it's hot ! ? ! ?
What makes this problem better or worse?
Driving uphill fast.
How long has your 2009 Dodge Nitro had this problem?
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It's possible you have a blown head gasket, sticking thermostat or clogged heater core. The fact that you are loosing coolant and overheating, leads me to guess you have a blown head gasket. Further testing to see if there is gas vapor in the coolant system is recommended to confirm. They sell kits at auto parts stores that would test for gas in the coolant.
Thank you VERY much Shivers, for you clear and concise response to my problem. Do you know IF a "pressure test" would accurately identify a blown head gasket, as well as the other possibilities you mentioned ? Waiting and driving very slow...
Thank you VERY much Shivers, for you clear and concise response to my problem. Do you know IF a "pressure test" would accurately identify a blown head gasket, as well as the other possibilities you mentioned ? Waiting and driving very slow...
P.S. CAN I drive, as long as I don't "push it" ?