2001 Dodge Dakota R/T overheating in 25* temp w/i 5 mins.....help!!!?

[james s]

Ok, here is my deal.....

Truck has been sitting outside in the cold weather and hasn't been started in about 3 weeks. Went to get a Christmas tree last night and my truck wouldn't start. So, I jumped it and it started right up. Next, went to put it in drive, and it wouldn't shift into gear. Had my foot on the brake, tried to shift into Drive and the stick wouldn't even budge. After trying and trying I tried one last time and gave it a little more muscle and it popped into gear. Well, all this time I had the heater running to warm the truck up and noticed it wasn't getting any warmer, but no big deal. Drove off to get the tree and within 5 minutes the temperaure gauge had gone to the far right and my "check gauges" light came on. So I turned around and came home, but my heater never did get warm. Only cold air blowing out.

Any suggestions? Also, what are your estimates as to how much it would cost to repair the problem(s)? Thanks!

 

[gdviper27]

I would start by having the computer scanned. With the scanner connected, check the coolant temp (on the scanner) to make sure the gauge is actually working. Assuming that is good, I would go for a coolant flush & thermostat replacement. I would make sure to back flush the heater core with water while doing the flush (take hoses off & flush through with hose).

A thermostat & gasket will run around $15 depending where you go for it, coolant about $10 a gallon depending what kind you get & where (it can get upwards of $30 per gallon!), & a novice can do the job in about 1.5 hours. If you know your way around that engine, less than an hour.

Hope it helps,
Greg.