I have a Chevrolet Cavalier 2002 with 144,000 miles. This morning the car reached its highest possibe temperature and i reaized and quickly pulled over and shut it off. I let it go back down to its norma temp and started it again. I was driving back home and the temp was increasing again and its reached its max by the time i got home. I dont know whats wrong. I saw a little puddle under the car a few minutes later so maybe something is leaking? i dont know. help!
2007-01-09 01:10:24 · 11 answers · asked by sd6558 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
1. Check the coolant. If you have never had it flushed at 144k it has probably now turned into a sludgly pudding type substance from its original liquid form. Sludge doesn't cool very well. If this is the case then you need to have the coolant "super-flushed" with a special detergent additive that brakes down the sludge.
2. You coolant level is low (which can also result in #1) causing there to not be enough coolant to keep your engine at its normal operating temperature. If its low there is very likely a leak. Add Dex-Cool to the proper level and pressure test the system. If there are no leaks flush out the old coolant as necessary. The puddle on the floor may just be boil-over and does not necessarily indicate a leak.
3. If the coolant has not turned into brown pudding and its full, then make sure the electronic cooling fans turn on when they are supposed to. One should come on automatically near normal operating temp, the other will kick on whenever you turn on the Air Conditioning or slightly later than the first one when the car is at normal operating temp.
4. If the coolant is good and the cooling fans work then replace the thermostat. With this kind of mileage I'd be tempted to replace the thermostat regardless.
2007-01-09 01:21:45 · answer #1 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the thermostat needs replaced. The puddle could have come from the overflow on the radiator, which is no cause for concern. This is the soul purpose for the overflow. I think if you get the thermostat replaced that you should be ok. A thermostat costs less than $10 and they are not at all difficult to install. Just because an engine overheats doesn't mean that you have a warped head or that there are even problems with your cooling system. I've read some of the other answers and I wouldn't jump the gun on anything. A thermostat can last for a very long time or not long at all. There is no average life for a thermostat. I wish you all the best in finding a remedy for this problem. Good luck to you.
2007-01-09 01:17:33 · answer #2 · answered by Lawrence C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing is to check the coolant level when the car is cool ( do not open when hot ). If thats good then run the car and make sure the engine fan kicks in before the gauge goes to the limit. If that works then see if the radiator seems hot or of its just the engine, if thats the case then your thermostat is stuck.
Is it colder than usual where you are this morning, could the rad be frozen?
2007-01-09 01:24:46 · answer #3 · answered by misc 75 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a thermometer that has the red alcohol in it. They are very accurate. Put it where ever you want the room to be 69 degrees. Then turn the thermostat you just bought up or down until you get the temperature where you want it.
2016-05-22 22:33:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlucky all other answers are right but to drive it twice will mean not only have you a coolant problem you have cooked the innards as well and a warped head could be the least of your now current problem good luck Trevor PS the gauges are there for your immediate attention (not just a look at me later)
2007-01-09 01:24:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, obviously your cooling system failed. If it reached the highest possible temperature, not once but twice since you drove it again, you probably have a vehicle with a ruined motor at this point. I'd bet you your heads are warped now.
Got a friend that knows a little about cars? Have him look.
2007-01-09 01:15:43 · answer #6 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One of a couple of things:
1) Your radiator is empty
2) Your radiator is full of corrosion and isn't flowing properly
3) Your water pump is busted
Solutions:
1) Fill the radiator
2) Have the radiator checked for flow capacity and then rebuilt/replaced
3) Have the water pump replaced (get ready, this is expensive)
2007-01-09 01:15:16 · answer #7 · answered by Team Chief 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yup you got a leak that needs fixed. and check to make sure radiator or coolant fill is full to line. getting it hot will burn up your engine and it wont last as long. might wanna consider it a trade in now
2007-01-09 01:19:43 · answer #8 · answered by Kyle B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several things that could cause it, when your radiator is cold, add some antifreeze to make sure it's full, and get the car to your mechanic.
2007-01-09 01:14:24 · answer #9 · answered by moonlightnroses2005 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever problem you had, not sure, but I'm willing to bet you have a bad head gasket now. Sorry.
2007-01-09 01:25:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋