Hi guys, I'm new to the forums. My wife has a 98' cavalier 2.2 atx. and it is overheating. It started only overheating while standing still, ie. red lights, and then would cool off when moving again. Now, two weeks later, it stay really hot even while moving. I searched on here but couldnt find much help. Any suggestions on what it is?
Sounds like a water pump. when the car is not moving the water pump is circulating the coolant slower than when the engine is being driven and forcing the coolant to move around. have you noticed any leaks on the driveway or anything? Look around and underneath your engine for signs of leaks.
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could also be the thermostat giving out. change it first as it is only a few dollars. actually take it out altogether and run the car as per normal. if it doesn't overheat than you know your prob. have you ever had the fluid changed and the system flushed...that could be a good second option.
If its overheating sitting still its because theres no air flow thru the radiator. Make sure
your fan is working you described everything that a broke fan does. Check it out and
see if it turns on. I betting it doesn't
Semper Fi SAINT. May you rest in peace.
jackalope wrote:If its overheating sitting still its because theres no air flow thru the radiator. Make sure
your fan is working you described everything that a broke fan does. Check it out and
see if it turns on. I betting it doesn't
Yah thats the first place I'd look is the fan, if it doesn't come on then check your fan relay. Also usually when thermostats mess up they lock in open allowing coolant to pass but things to happenen, so check your coolant hoses to the rad at operating temp..both should be HOT..meaning burning hand hot. If they are then I would doubt its the thermostat.
I'm more on the fan or the fan replay being faulty, try bypassing the fan relay. If the fan comes on and both coolant hoses to the rad are hot..i'd get a new fan relay slap it in and go from there
jackalope wrote:If its overheating sitting still its because theres no air flow thru the radiator. Make sure
your fan is working you described everything that a broke fan does. Check it out and
see if it turns on. I betting it doesn't
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Make sure the fan is coming on. Also, check your coolant level.
your fan should come on with max A/C.... if it dose not, then there is a problem.