My 97 chevy cavalier has been having a hot smell come from the driver's side front above tire under the hood. The engine has been running about 75% hot. The coolant light came on twice but only for a brief second when I was turning a curve to fast. What should I do, does this simply mean my coolant is low? Thanks!
2007-02-17 17:03:41 · 3 answers · asked by Nick 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Several things you need to check on your coolant system to make sure it is working properly-
1. Check upper and lower radiator hoses for cracks and leaks.
2. Check radiator for coolant level, and scale. If the radiator has alot of scale in it, it's not going to cool efficiently, so you would need to do a radiator flush.
3. If the car is running real hot, it would be from lack of coolant. You need to keep a full mixture of 50% coolant to 50% water at the proper levels. Also, if the car is still running hot, it could be that your thermostat is sticking and could need replacing. If you're getting coolant lights, then that could be a sure sign.
Hope this helps.
2007-02-17 17:13:55 · answer #1 · answered by C J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a coolant leak. When the engine is cold, check under the hood and locate the radiator hoses that run from the rad to the engine. Run your fingers around the hose just past the clamp on both ends of the hoses. If wet, try tightening the clamps, or replace them. If they are dry, look along the front, side and back of the engine for traces of a whitish / green powder or stain. This is dried antifreeze. If found, repair as necessary. A big problem on cav's is a coolant leak at the corner of the head on the driver's side of the engine, just to the left of the oil tube/ dipstick. If it leaks there, you may need a new head gasket. Before driving though, make sure your rad is full and the recovery tank is filled to the full line.
2007-02-18 01:57:21 · answer #2 · answered by shopteacher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to CJ's answer, you might want to check if your cooling fan is working. If not, the problem could be electrical. A bad fuse, relay switch, temp.sensor switch or even the fan motor. Also; check electrical connections. A loose connection could cause the electric fan from turning on when needed.
2007-02-18 02:06:15 · answer #3 · answered by jtm12567 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋