Hi,

I have a 2001 3.3 Caravan. It was running hot and the cooling fans were not coming on. I replaced the cooling motor relay on frame and also the thermostat. Fuse and relay are good. When I was done and warmed it up the fans kicked on and everything was working great. The temp stayed around a 1/4 way up on gauge. I waited a few hours and went for a test run and it ran warm again. 1/2 way up gauge. Smoke/steam was coming from radiator on filler side, between cap and bottom hose. I do not see any leaks anywhere. Also the fans wont come on again. Any advise would be great!! I am stumped as far as what's going on.
Thanks in advance.

 

When this happened to me, it was a bad connection at the fan motor. Watch your fingers and jostle the wire slightly when it is warm enough to engage and see if it is loose like mine was.

You may want to replace the water pump and thermostat.

WATER PUMP - 3.3/3.8L
DESCRIPTION
The water pump has a die-cast aluminum body
and a plastic impeller. It bolts directly to the timing
chain case cover, using an rubber seal for sealing

(Fig. 27). It is driven by the accessory drive belt.

Fig. 27 Water Pump - 3.3/3.8L Engine
1 - WATER PUMP
2 - PULLEY - WATER PUMP
3 - BOLT - PULLEY
4 - BOLT - WATER PUMP
5 - SEAL - WATER PUMP

 

Fans turn on when you turn on the A/C?