Where Is The Water Pump On A 2003 Dodge Intrepid?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The water pump is always located

near the serpentine belt, timing belt, or timing chain

since it is powered by one of them. This means that it is also installed at the front of the engine. If the timing belt powers the water pump, it may be difficult to see it though. You may need to remove a lot of covers to see it.

Where the water pump is located?

The water pump is always located

near the serpentine belt, timing belt, or timing chain

since it is powered by one of them. This means that it is also installed at the front of the engine. If the timing belt powers the water pump, it may be difficult to see it though. You may need to remove a lot of covers to see it.

Why is my Dodge Intrepid overheating?

The most common reasons a Dodge Intrepid is overheating are

a coolant leak

(water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat.

How do I know if my water pump is busted?

  1. Overheating. A dead or dying water pump cannot circulate coolant through your vehicle’s engine and, as such, the engine will overheat. …
  2. Coolant Leaks. Coolant leaks from the water pump are common and a clear sign that it’s time to replace the pump. …
  3. Corroded Water Pump. …
  4. Whining Noises.

Can I change my water pump myself?

The location of the water pump in relation to the engine can vary by application. Whether you can replace it yourself depends on how

much experience

you have. … However, a person who easily figures out how to do things can usually replace a water pump that is on the front of the engine, without any mechanical experience.

What happens if my water pump is bad?

When the water pump fails completely,

it will not be able to circulate coolant through the engine block

. This results in an overheating situation and if not repaired or replaced quickly, can cause additional engine damage like cracked cylinder heads, pushed head gaskets, or burnt pistons.

Can you drive with a bad water pump?

You can drive while the pump leaks coolant

until the coolant level falls below the level of

the impeller, and your engine overheats to destruction. You can drive until the pulley shaft fails, driving the fan through the radiator, losing all your coolant, and your engine overheats to destruction.

How much does it cost to replace a water pump?

The average water pump replacement cost is

$550

, with prices ranging from $461 to $638 in the US in 2020. But typically depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the auto repair shop you take it to. Labor costs are between $256 and $324 while parts cost between $205 and $314.

How do I know if my thermostat or water pump is bad?

Answer: If the temperature gauge indicates the

engine is overheating

, the water pump bearing may be faulty and not allowing coolant to circulate properly. Another possibility is the thermostat is not functioning right. Depending on your particular model, you can try to listen to the pump with a length of hose.

What causes a water pump to go out?

The most common water-pump failure is due

to worn bearings

. … And mixing coolants, or using the wrong coolant, can cause damage to the water-pump seals and bearings, and can lead to the impeller shaft to fail. If the pump is out, look at the impeller for signs of corrosion or cavitation.

Do you need to replace thermostat when replacing water pump?

its a good idea to

replace the thermostat whenever replacing a water pump

. The thermostat may have suffered some damage during the overheating that occurred before the water pump failed.

How many hours does it take to replace a water pump?

On average, water pump replacement is a

3 hour job

. You may pay less if you buy the pump yourself and give it to the mechanic to install, though use caution and make sure to buy the parts from a reputable source.

Why is my water pump not pumping water?

Stuck pressure control relays. Problems with the pressure switch relay contacts. A

damaged

pump motor or worn-out wiring. A torn water bladder/diaphragm.

When replacing a water pump What else should you replace?

When changing a water pump,

replace all old gaskets and seals with new ones

. If your new pump comes with a seal, make sure it’s in impeccable condition before installing it. (Some seals are so thin you could easily damage them when you rip off the packaging.)

How do you know if your water pump pulley is bad?

Another common symptom of a damaged water pump pulley is when you or someone else looking under your vehicle’s hood notices extensive wear on the belts that come

in contact with the pulley

. If the pulley is loose it can cause the water pump belts to shake and develop more heat.

What sound does a bad water pump make?

One way to check for worn out or failed water pump bearing; is to check for water pump shaft movement. So, with a faulty bearing, you can often hear a

squealing, howling

; or sometimes a grinding noise, coming from the front of the engine.

What noise does a broken water pump make?

If you hear a

high-pitched, whining sound

that increases as you accelerate – it could indicate a faulty water pump. These sounds are caused by a loose belt and the belt becomes loose when the pulley is loose or the bearings are wearing out.

When should you replace water pump in car?

Facts and figures: a working water pump only needs to be replaced

after 60,000-100,000 miles

, so if you have your car for less than 10 years, you may never have to worry about it. That being said, if you purchase your car used, it is a good idea to find out if the water pump has been replaced.

How do I stop my water pump from leaking?

  1. Flush cooling system if necessary.
  2. Drain coolant.
  3. Remove engine belts.
  4. Remove other components to gain access to water pump bolts.
  5. Remove the water pump.
  6. Replace gasket or o-ring and install new pump.

Can a bad water pump cause a blown head gasket?


Coolant

leaking from the water pump is one major indicator of a failing head gasket. … When the coolant is low, the vehicle can quickly overheat and lead to a blown engine.

Will heater work if water pump is bad?

Yes,

a bad water pump can cause no heat

. This is because the water pump is what circulates the coolant through the engine and heater core. If it has failed, it is unable to pump the coolant properly, resulting in little to no coolant circulating through the vehicles heater core causing no heat.

Will a bad water pump throw a code?


If it’s malfunctioning, it will throw a code

, but it won’t throw a code if you get overheated. If you have a leak, it doesn’t throw a code.

Can a water pump cause loss of power?

If the

water pump fails the camshaft belt could break and cause serious damage

to the engine valves and pistons, which could cause the complete engine to fail. The water pump and camshaft belt components should be changed immediately.

Do you have to drain the radiator to change a water pump?

Registered.

You will not have to drain the radiator

of all the coolant. You will have to drain the engine block. If you drain the engine block you will not have to drain the radiator and should be able to change the pump that way.

Is the thermostat part of the water pump?

In almost every case, the

thermostat is located adjacent to the water pump

and needs to be removed to access it. … A thermostat is also essential to a properly running engine and it’s simple design is also it’s downfall because it can become gummed up or jammed.

How many miles should a water pump last?

The average lifespan of a water pump is similar to the lifespan of a timing belt. They usually last

60,000 to 90,000 miles

with the proper care. However, some cheaper water pumps may begin leaking at as low as 30,000 miles.

How much does it cost to replace a water pump belt?

Installation will range from

$300 to $600

. In these cases, the chain or belt should be changed at the same time to avoid paying for the engine to be disassembled again. Again, pricing will vary by location and your vehicle make and model.

How much does it cost to replace a water pump on a Dodge Ram 1500?

Dodge Ram 1500 Water Pump Replacement Cost Estimate. Labor costs are

estimated between $180 and $227

while parts are priced between $157 and $289. This range is based on the number and age of Dodge Ram 1500’s on the road.

How long can you drive a car without a water pump?

Depending on a few factors, you can probably drive your vehicle

5-20 miles

with a faulty water pump, which should be enough to get you to the nearest mechanic to replace it. A water pump is vital to a car’s cooling system. It controls how the coolant flows around the engine keeping its temperature at optimal levels.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.