Truck mechanics help please

[Jess from VA]

I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota (Club, sport plus, 4.7L, 65K, auto) that is heating up.

Temp comes up to and just past 2d mark (at 2 o'clock, not to HOT yet), and 'check guages' dash lite comes on (can be amps, oil pressure or coolant temp.... and the others are fine, it is coolant).

I checked coolant, and it was a tad low (should not be a factor), but topped up with antifreeze.

Here is the strange symptom.  It takes a while to get up to op temps, and then the temp gauge moves up smartly when driving, but come to a stop light and it moves back down toward normal, start driving and it comes back up.  (I would think cooling works better with more airflow while running, not at a stop)

The fan is working, and comes on.

The obvious culprits are thermostat, water pump, fan clutch, clogged radiator.

It is going to my shop tomorrow, and this looks like one of those keep-changing-parts-till-it-stops heating-up deals.  I have used this shop for years, and they do not cheat me, or do unnecessary work, but I wondered if anyone has any advice?

Thanks in advance.

[hal47]

Everthing you have described sounds like a thermostast stuck particaly closed. GOOD LOOK

[sandy]

Those symptoms could also be a partially clogged radiator. When it idles, there's no heat load till you ask the engine to start working. Have you put tap water in it? The calcium scales up and cloggs the tubes.

[R J]

65K, I'd check out the water pump.    Mine went at 63K, the impeller just rotted away.

[YoungPUP]

Water Pump. the problem with the new long life coolants is that if not properly maintained, they tend to become corrosive.  Jeep Grand cherokees, with the 4.7 are notorious for water pump failure at high mileage (100k plus)  and upon removing the pump, the impeller is usually missing.  New water pump, with a THOROUGH coolant flush ( old style green antifreeze  while great, will make jello when miked with Dex cool and chryslers  HOAT )  then replace with the good old trusty green stuff. If you're doing it yourself  use rite stuff (permatex)  instead of the gasket.

[Big Rig]

Quickest thing to check is to remove the Thermo...since the weather is getting warmer you won;t need it immediately.

If you are still getting over heating issues, check the radiator...

My money is on the Thermo...

[Varmintmist]

Everthing you have described sounds like a thermostast stuck particaly closed. GOOD LOOK

What he said.

When my cousin was a Dodge dealer, he said that there were 167 things to make that id-10-t light come on.
Pop a thermostat in and see. Its the cheapest and easiest.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks guys, appreciate it.