karltiger7

Freestar Overheating

Having trouble with my 2003 Ford Freestar, gasoline engine. It's overheating and taking a long time to reach normal operating temperature. Coolant level is okay, no obvious leaks. The cooling fan seems to be working, but the engine still overheats, especially in town. It has about 80137 km on it. Any ideas? Could it be the thermostat?

The 2003 Ford Freestar is experiencing overheating issues despite the coolant level being adequate and the cooling fan functioning. The problem may be linked to a defective thermostat, as indicated by fluctuating temperature gauge readings and the possibility of the upper radiator hose not getting hot. Checking the hose temperature can help confirm the thermostat issue, and replacing it might resolve the overheating. If unsure, consulting a mechanic for a proper diagnosis is recommended.

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4 comment(s)

Sounds like a thermostat issue to me! I had similar problems on my old car. Is your temperature gauge fluctuating a lot? Sometimes a defective thermostat can cause that. Have you noticed if the upper radiator hose gets hot like it should when the engine is warm?

Thanks for the quick reply! The temperature gauge does seem to fluctuate a bit more than usual. I haven't specifically checked the upper radiator hose temperature, but I will definitely do that. If the hose isn't getting hot, what does that indicate?

If the upper radiator hose isn't getting hot when the engine is warm, it strongly suggests the thermostat isn't opening properly. From my experience, that points to a defective thermostat, which seems to be a fairly common issue. You could try replacing it yourself if you're comfortable with that, but honestly, at this point, I would recommend taking it to a workshop, they can diagnose it properly. I reckon you'll be looking at around 350€.

Okay, thanks for the advice! I'll check the radiator hose and then likely take it to a mechanic. Appreciate you pointing me in the right direction!

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FORD

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FREESTAR