Car overheating

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! Overheating at idle in your 2010 Dodge Caliber, especially with smoke coming from the battery area, raises a couple of red flags. First off, it sounds like the cooling system isn't doing its job properly. Here’s where things could be going south: 1. **Cooling fan failure:** If the electric cooling fan isn’t kicking in when it should, your engine won’t cool down at idle. This could lead to overheating, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Check the fan for any obvious issues, like a blown fuse, faulty relay, or a bad motor. 2. **Coolant issues:** If you’re low on coolant or there’s a blockage, that can cause overheating, too. Check the coolant level and make sure the radiator isn’t clogged. 3. **Battery or alternator problems:** The smoke from the battery area suggests something might be wrong with the electrical system, like an overcharging alternator or a short in the wiring, which could be causing excess heat and potentially draining the coolant system. I'd advise getting it checked ASAP, because this sounds like it could escalate into a bigger problem if not addressed. If you need any further advice or want help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554.