Overheating Help

[nunnyabinus]

So I am having problems with the Jeep, no not the 10 yr old TJ with 150k miles...actually its an 06 Commander Limited with 24k miles haha

Anyway I was towing the boat this weekend (6500lbs w/ trailer) with the Commander (5.7L Hemi with a 7500lbs tow capacity). We got the boat out of storage at the Yacht lake and drove it back to the Cheat (hard drive on a vehicle lots of windy roads and steep hills that the tow/haul kicks into overdrive) and by the time we got back in town I noticed I lost my power steering which SUCKS with such a big boat. As we are waiting in line to put the boat in the water the temp gauge shows that it is maxed out and over heating then we see the steam coming from under the hood as the engine coolant is bubbling over onto the engine. It did that for about 15 minutes b/c it was 96 degrees outside and took a while to cool off. I have never had any problems like this and especially I have never seen a vehicle loose power steering when gets over heated. Does anyone have any idea what is goin on? I read the OBD code and it just says engine temp too hot, I reset it and it has stayed off, but I still have no power steeing.... but why hasn't there been an engine code thrown for a power steering power, belt or motor problem?

[robby]

Are you telling us YOU have VERIFIED the belt is in position and turning all accessory drive pullys?

There is no C.E.L. for belt off or power steering problem.

Remember that a pully can be locked and the belt will slide over it under the right circumstances so make certain the power steering pump pully is turning with engine running.

Rob

[jeep5253]

Originally Posted by nunnyabinus

Anyway I was towing the boat this weekend (6500lbs w/ trailer) with the Commander (5.7L Hemi with a 7500lbs tow capacity).

Actually, the HEMI Commander is rated to tow 7200lbs if it is a 4WD and 7400lbs if it is a 2WD.

[GPintheMitten]

Regarding towing, with that load you should be using tow/haul button on the dash. It keeps it from engaging overdrive. Also, 96 degrees is pretty hot so you want to take extra precautions, like opening the hood when your not driving to let the heat that has built up out. Also, the amount of gear in the boat and in the Commander, that is, extra weight, use up capacity and add to heat build up. You may have been over capacity. Boat motors are heavy, as is gasoline and any water in the bilge, battery(s) etc.

It is also a good idea to drive like a gramma so to speak when towing heavy loads in that kind of heat to keep from taxing the whole system, more stomping on the gas to pass someone going uphill will build up heat in a hurry.

I'm not saying you did that, but you get the idea about building up heat. It is harder to dissipate heat when it is 96 so you have to drive to accomodate that.