I have a 2000 Chevy Cavalier. The cars temperature is fluxuating from very hot to normal. It seems to be completely random. Sometimes it happens when i Idle other times when I'm driving, usually happens when the a/c is on. I have replaced the fan which was broken, but the problem is still persisting. I plan on replacing the belt b/c it is worn, and also putting in a new 180 degree thermostat. Is there anyone out there that has had a similar situation and found out what the deal was. please respond.
Thanks
Kevin
2007-08-16 07:42:35 · 9 answers · asked by Kevin M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Chevrolet
I don't believe it is a head gasket but to make sure pull the oil dip stick out and see if it looks milky if it does then it is a leaky head gasket.
Do replace the thermostat though and shut down the A/C if it still gets hot. Make sure your belt is not slipping.
2007-08-16 07:59:38 · answer #1 · answered by dVille 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kevin-
Since you have replaced the fan, you need to turn your attention to three other possibilities, possibly four.
Lets start with the simple stuff first.
It could be as simple as your coolant level is low. In which case just add coolant to the over flow reservior and let the car pick up the coolant into the system.
Do not chage the thermostat to a lower temprature. Will effect other emissions system related equipment, and could cause additional performance issues with the engine.
It could also be a blown fuse in the cooling fan circuit. Often when the motors blow out, they cause a short and it pops the fuse. So check the fuse, and if it is blown replace it with a new one.
If these two items are OK, then you need to turn your attention to the Thermal Switch that controls when the fan cuts on. You can test this switch by locating it, then removing the connector and shorting the two leads in the connector with a paperclip. If the fan cuts on, then you know its the switch. If the fan does not cut on, then you have another issue in the circuit.
After you have done all of this, I would highly recommend that you have the cooling system serviced. this would mean flushing and refilling the system and having it pressure checked for additional leaks. Insist on having the radiator cap replaced too. This can also cause overheating problems.
But my guess is that the switch on the cooling fan is bad and your coolant level is probably a little low.
Replace the hoses on this car too. Pay particular attention to the Heater Hoses. They have a steel hard line section in them that runs lose to the exhause manifold. This hose is notorious for leaking right where the mounting bracket is welded to mount it to the cylinder head. I will be noticeable by a little white water streak in the exhaust manifold near cylinder 3 and 4.
If the hoses have never been serviced, its affording a little cheap insurance to have the work done.
Lastly, take the car to your local Chevrolet Dealership to have them service the car. These newer cars really need the serviced at the dealerships to keep them properly maintained and functioning properly.
I work in a Chevrolet Dealership, and when people start having problems with their Chevrolet Products, is when they have been taking them to their own private shops to have work done to them. This does not include oil changes and brakes, but for all of the other work, this does apply.
The Cavaliers were fairly well built for a car of their type, and my Mother had one and put nearly 250,000 miles on it. But she would only let Chevrolet work on the car.
I hope that helps you out!
Good Luck!
2007-08-16 15:06:18 · answer #2 · answered by Teknoman Saber 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Common problem on GM's 3.1L and 3.4L V6 engines is a leaky Lower Intake Manifold gasket. Good way to know if this is the case is to look at your oil. Is it milky? If so, your LIM gasket is leaky. You may be able to tell just by looking in the engine bay after driving. You may smell coolant and you should be able to see it bubbling or leaking from the motor. Get it fixed immediately, as you're doing a lot of damage to the bearings in the engine because antifreeze, especially DEXCOOL, is very corrosive to engine components... Not to mention if you overheat an aluminum block engine the heads tend to warp ,causing even more damage.
2007-08-16 15:09:32 · answer #3 · answered by ganzhimself 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a head gasket problem. It's quite a pricey problem too. You may notice if you keep your heat on that it will keep the temp. normal. Make sure you have plenty of coolant and go to a mechanic. Head gaskets are a lot of work, but if you are a do it yourselfer then go for it. The head gasket itself is cheap, it's all the labor to replace it that's expensive. I had one done way long ago and I think it ran about $600.
2007-08-16 14:53:28 · answer #4 · answered by lovely_kelly2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take it to a shop if it is a head gasket they can put their gas analyzer sniffer over the rad cap not in the coolant if the head gasket is gone there will be a high hydrocarbon reading some is normal (couple parts per million). If a couple hundred parts per million your looking at a big repair but the test is quick and accurate should not cost big diagnostic time.
2007-08-19 07:46:07 · answer #5 · answered by ron p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try replacing the thermostat. It is a very inexpensive part and often causes the problem you are having.
2007-08-16 14:50:59 · answer #6 · answered by Fudge Town 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds kinda like a head gasket. I race cars and find this problem very common. Sorry, its probably the answer u didnt want to hear.
2007-08-16 14:50:09 · answer #7 · answered by better_than_your_man2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
older car go to the mechanic to have it reapird
do not destroy your engine
2007-08-16 14:50:17 · answer #8 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋