What can be the reasons for a 2001 Dodge intrepid 3.5 overheating?

Answer 1

Well step by step. First check fans and see if they turn on when the engine temp gauge shows it just below halfway . If fans turn on then step 2 . Replace thermostat located at bottom radiator hose end that goes into motor . It's a real pain and alternator has to be removed along with the front end metal wedge to get a little room. If that is done then step 3. This is the doozy . Check to see if fluid is coming out of the front and/or back of the motor that is hard to see due to the mess of hoses and wires obstructing every angle to view the actual spot the leaks at. Ok the culprit most likely is the heater line and O ring underneath the lower manifold. You have to remove the upper plastic piece( manifold) that covers the top of whole engine . Then remove the lower manifold and flip it over to see the O ring which will be swollen and popping out / due to the extreme heat . You must replace the heater line AND O ring . You'll know if it's the issue because you'll find radiator fluid inside of it puddles up . Clean it all out ! Put line and O ring on and put it all back together. That is the usual issue with 3.5 HO. Some call the 2.7(junk) , 3.2 and 3.5 L HO s hand grenades but I beg to differ . 251 horsepower silky motors that require early maintenance oil changes with synthetic only and Mopar orange G05 radiator fluid only and it's a wonderful motor.