Recently I installed a new radiator and thermostat on my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L engine. After I finished the work, I noticed that the temp gauge on the dashboard would not go beyond the first marker above the cold line. When I drove the car for a while, the gauge would not go to the normal ½ way point as it did prior the work. The car overheated and I noticed radiator fluid draining from beneath the engine at the water pump. It was pouring out from the are of the water pump bearing. Prior to this work, I had no issues with this car ever overheating. I had to change the radiator because it cracked at the top of the tank. So sum it up…..the needle does not go above the first notch on the temp gauge, I know the pump is trash and needs to be replaced, the fans worked fine prior to the radiator replacement. I was thinking thermostat relay as the gauge is not working correctly but I can’t find much diagnostic stuff on it. Any though would be a great help. Thanks.

 

Probably has air in the system and needs to be properly bled, if the water pump is leaking out of the weep hole, it's time to replace it.