Trying to keep my 1999 4Cyl. 2.4L Stratus alive @ 209,159 miles. Car runs beautifully except for the problem I ran into today... Car started overheating. Here's the straight facts:

1- The hose leading to the thermostat was hot, so I don't think the thermostat is the problem.

2- The coolant in the overflow resevoir was boiling

3- The coolant was a dingy brown color

4- Earlier today the heat was working, which was the reason I was able to get the car back home so I'd have adequate room to work.

5- I tried bleeding the coolant system (Via "Burping" the cap above the thermostat)

6- The second time I bled the coolant system, the heat wouldn't work, so I might have been counterproductive.


So here's what I think. Since the coolant was so dingy and nasty, and since it would boil while the car read a normal temperature (Though it quickly climbed to dangerous levels), I think the coolant needs to be drained, flushed and replaced. So here's my next problem (ASSUMING I AM RIGHT, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU THINK I HAVE A DIFFERENT PROBLEM):

I consulted the Haynes repair manual (for Chrylser Cirrus, Dodge Stratus & Plymouth Breeze, 1995-2000), and it said that the drain fitting for the coolant is "On the bottom right hand side of the radiator" and it goes onto say that "If you have V6, you will not be able to reach it by hand", well I have a 4cyl. and I can't seem to locate it... Please give me further guidance as to how I can find the drain fitting in reference to other hoses/parts in the car.

Also, Being as the radtiator is located directly above the bottom side of the bumper cover, so would draining the coolant lead to a bumper cover filled with old coolant?

PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!! Put too much money into this car to let it go this easily!! People can talk all the s**t they want, but I love my Stratus

 

Figured out the answer, and it seems amazingly easily... too late to do it tonight. But incase anyone else has this problem, here's what I found out:

With the bumper cover extending beneath the radiator, and the drain fitting being difficult to reach, it is easier and sometimes prefered to drain the coolant via the hose that leads to the bottom of the radiator. this also allows you to quickly pull the hose out from the bumper cover, so as not to spill it on the body of the car.

 

Have you considered replacing the water pump? Im sure at 200k its about done.

 

I'm a little worried about the "dingy brown color" of the fluid. You may have other issues there, such as a failing head gasket. Check your oil to make sure it's not milky too.