While driving my temp. gauge stays at "H" and never at "C" unless the car is off. The car smoked a little while I was driving it the other day. I bought some antifreeze/coolant to put in the car. However, I am not sure what the problem may be. Please help!
2006-08-03 07:57:54 · 5 answers · asked by enhiznaym 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First of all you should NEVER drive a car that's been overheating. If there wasn't any real damage before, there probabaly is now. It is good that you topped your antifreeze of, but have you made sure to put the 50/50 mixture in? You can't just add straight antifreeze, unless it comes pre-mixed.
The previous people are right about your Water Temperature Sensor/Sender. If you turn the key, and the temperature shoots straight to H before it's obviously had a good 3 minutes to 10 minutes(depending on the size of the engine) to heat up, this is your problem. The sending unit is also cheap, and if you can get to it, all you need to change it is a socket and ratchet, and an open end adjustable wrench(Crescent). It's usually located on the top of the engine towares the front, right next to the throttle or intake manifold. But make sure you get someone to point it out for you, because it looks alot like an Oil Pressure sender from the outside, if you can see it. (most of the time you can't see this part.)
Check your Oil level and Water level as well. Make sure you've changed the oil in the specified timeframe.
If you did put straight antifreeze and it doesn't say 50/50 mix or "Do Not Add Water", then you can always drain your radiator into a 5 gallon bucket by turning the plug-cock at the bottom of the radiator.
If this is not a problem, change your thermostat. If your thermostat isn't working, it will cause the car to overheat. Thermostats are cheap and easy to change.
After changing the thermostat, if the problem still exists, there are a few more problems like cracked heads, cracked head gaskets, exhaust gas return problems, extra-advanced timing, broken water pump, seizing A/C compressor. All these things need to be checked out by someone with good mechanical knowlege.
P.S. When you drain your radiator, look closely at the fluid. If you notice little black droplets in the fluid, DON"T drive your car anymore. Get it to a professional before you drive it again. This means that your head(s) is cracked and you are losing oil into your cooling system. Not seeing this won't guarantee they're NOT cracked, but this is always a sure sign that they are.
2006-08-03 08:25:09 · answer #1 · answered by Rockstar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm assuming that when you turn the car on the guage goes straight to H. If this is the case you need a new temperature sending unit. Relatively cheap and easy to replace.
2006-08-03 15:07:32 · answer #2 · answered by soaplakegirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you shouldnt drive it until you get it fixed
even if it is just the gauge (goes directly to H first thing when the car is actually cold)
until you fix it you will not know if it is really overheating
replacing a head gasket is expensive $1000 (if it really overheats)
2006-08-03 15:11:23 · answer #3 · answered by brainiac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cooling system is overheating and your gauge is trying very hard to tell you that. So listen to what it is telling you and bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop and have it inspected before you blow up your engine.
2006-08-03 15:14:47 · answer #4 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
water!!! your car may need water!!!
2006-08-03 15:02:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋