How to replace coolant in a 2001 Chrysler Concorde? And is old coolant the problem?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kervel
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kervel

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Last week, my car stopped emitting hot air into the cabin, but rather cool air. So I haven't driven it in a few days. Today, I tried to start it to get the coolant changed at a PEP Boys and the car would turn on but fail to start. Could this be because it needs fresh coolant to start properly?

And could a coolant change help the heat situation? I have a bottle of coolant in the garage; is this task do-able for the car novice?

I should add that it snowed about eight inches the other day, so the car is pretty cold. I've been cleaning the snow off of it regularly and it's sunny today.
 
It's easy to tell you are not the "mechanic type" and therefore it would be safer for you and your car to have a professional mechanic service your vehicle. There are different types of coolant/anti-freeze and if mixed may gel the fluids. You also need to bleed the air from the radiator after changing the coolant or you will get an air pocket which will cause the problem which you describe. Since you have not changed your anti-freeze yet, it would seem you have another problem causing the air pocket. A bad head gasket, leaking water pump, or leaking radiator hoses are a possibility. Old coolant has nothing to do with the car not starting.
You will need to have the battery and alternator tested. If the battery is old it could fail if you don't drive the car for several days. A weak battery works OK if charged everyday, but usually fails once it gets cold outside or if it sits and does not get charged daily. Make sure the battery cables get cleaned. It's best to have a car worked on during the week Monday through Thursday. The High School dropouts work the weekend shifts when the good mechanics take off. If parts need to be ordered, Friday is too late to order them to have the car by the weekend.
 
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