* Coolant Leaks: This is the most frequent cause. Leaks can occur in the radiator, hoses (upper and lower radiator hoses, heater hoses), water pump, thermostat housing, or even the engine block itself. Look for obvious leaks (wet spots, puddles under the car), and check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir. A low coolant level almost always indicates a leak somewhere.
* Faulty Water Pump: The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. If it fails, coolant flow stops, leading to overheating. You might hear unusual noises (whining, grinding) from the water pump if it's failing.
* Malfunctioning Thermostat: The thermostat regulates coolant flow. If it's stuck closed, coolant can't circulate properly, causing overheating. If it's stuck open, the engine might take too long to reach operating temperature, but it's less likely to lead to overheating in most situations.
* Clogged Radiator: Over time, debris, sediment, and corrosion can clog the radiator fins, reducing its ability to dissipate heat. This reduces cooling efficiency and leads to overheating. A visual inspection can often reveal a clogged radiator.
* Faulty Radiator Fan: The radiator fan helps cool the radiator, especially at low speeds or when stopped. If the fan isn't working properly (either not turning on at all, or not running at the correct speed), the engine will overheat. Listen for the fan's operation when the engine is running and the temperature is high.
* Low Coolant Level: Even without a leak, low coolant can lead to overheating. Make sure you're using the correct type and mixture of coolant.
* Head Gasket Failure: In more severe cases, a blown head gasket can allow coolant to leak into the engine oil or combustion chamber, leading to overheating and other symptoms like white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil, or loss of compression. This is a serious problem requiring professional attention.
* Blocked Cooling System: Air pockets in the cooling system can impede coolant flow.
What to do:
Do *not* attempt to diagnose and fix this yourself unless you have significant mechanical experience. Overheating can cause serious engine damage.
1. Immediately pull over and turn off the engine if your Sebring starts overheating. Continuing to drive an overheating engine can cause catastrophic damage.
2. Let the engine cool down completely before attempting any inspection.
3. Call a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Describe the symptoms clearly, including when the overheating occurs (e.g., only at idle, only under load, always).
Taking your car to a mechanic is the safest and most efficient way to solve this issue and prevent further damage to your engine.
