The engine coolant appears to be at the right level, the gage usually reads 90 all the time but today it shot up 5 or 10 notches after about 15 minutes of driving. I've already checked the engine coolant. What else can I check that might be causing it?
2007-06-13 08:17:28 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Most likely the thermostat, about a $10 part, worse case scenario water pump.
2007-06-13 08:23:44 · answer #1 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has the coolant ever been replaced? A radiator should be flushed every other year. A clogged radiator would also cause it as would a bad thermostat. Remember to dilute antifreeze 50/50 with water...no more.
Bottom line-those engines are VERY sensitive to overheating, so don't drive if the gauge is approaching the red zone. If it happens when you're driving, open all the windows and turn on the heat full blast. That will help the engine cool down, believe it or not.
2007-06-13 15:29:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, if the coolant 'up to snuff'? Have it tested for proper mixture of coolant vs. water.
Second, it could be your thermostat. It could be stuck closed and therefore not allowing coolant into the rad.
Third, is your cooling fan operating normally? No fan will lead to overheating.
Fourth, it could be an indication of an overcharging alternator. The gauge in some cars are essentially a voltage meter, with a thermo-resistor as a temperature sensor. A change in coolant temperature changes the resistance in the sensor which allows varying voltages to the gauge. But if the overall system voltage increases the gauge will read higher.
Chris...
2007-06-13 15:29:58 · answer #3 · answered by cnshinn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stuck thermostat, replace it. Blocked radiator, flush it. Collapsed hose, replace it. Electric fans not coming on, repair the problem. Water pump worn and not moving coolant. Replace it. Choose one or more from the list.
2007-06-13 15:28:11 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
May be a bad temp sensor on the engine. The sensor tells the cooling fan when to turn on and off. If bad it will not accurately cycle the cooling fan.
2007-06-13 15:23:57 · answer #5 · answered by K R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your thermastat is bad if it has coolent
2007-06-13 15:21:30 · answer #6 · answered by Ber 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋