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My car is overheating. Any suggestions?

I have been having an overheating issue with my car lately. I had to be towed one day because it overheated coming off of the freeway. They said it was the radiator so I had that replaced. Unfortunately, it is doing the same thing again. It was running well for a few weeks. I ran the AC for awhile but after about ten minutes the AC quite working and it started overheating again. Now I can't go more than a few miles before it starts getting close to red line temperature and I'm not running the AC. Could it be the water pump? Any other suggestions? Thank you for your replies in advance.

Update:

Both the fans on the radiator are kicking on and apparently the radiator was cracked and leaking. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

8 Answers

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  • 10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Did they show you the leak? You should go back and tell them the problem isn't fixed. Most likely its faulty thermostat (stuck closed)

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    well ure having a problem with the coolant,, there is a leak somewhere if it was running good for awhile,, take the thermostat out,, drain all the fluid out of the radiator,, now put water in it and turn on ure car with the cap off the radiator. now standing over the engine add water to it as it drinks it and look for any leaks while its running,, now drain the water out of the radiator by removing the bottom engine to radiator hose,, and watch for pieces of metal or gunk,, if u see any then metal then its time to change the water pump,, if just a bunch of gunk, get u a bottle of radiator flush and do the water and flush mix,, run it and drain,, now fill up with water to clean out the last bit of fluid out,, now get u a new thermostat (unless u live in a hot aera that never gets cold. then just leave it out)),, from there after u replace the thermostat and and waterpump (always replace this at 100k miles) put new coolant in it and close everything up and run the car and see if it overheats or if u smell a sweet smell when its running, if a sweet smell is smelled then u have a leak and the fluid is spraying on the engine,, now after all that is done u should be fine if there wasent any leaks detected

  • ?
    Lv 5
    10 years ago

    Could be several things.

    A water pump...maybe....but I would check the thermostat. Also...when is the last time you flushed the coolant?

    I would really suggest you take it to a qualified technician to look at. There are several things that could cause this issue. If you continue to overheat the engine, you may eventually lock the motor causing you to have to buy a new motor or have your current one rebuilt.

  • 10 years ago

    Could be the water pump but...I would make sure your automatic Radiator fans turn on before it gets too hot...around 190-210. You can cross the wires to check this. If that is ok then it could be the sending unit...hope this helps you...Steve

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  • 10 years ago

    probably the thermostat whoever said replace the radiator was an idiot or a con man unless the radiator was leaking, the engine itself might need its cooling passages flushed out- cheap and easy to do

  • 10 years ago

    I would suggest changing the thermostat. Generally a 10$ part. If this does not work, then yes, it's your water pump

    Source(s): Had the same problem with Audi TT
  • 10 years ago

    Talk to the magic leprachaun that lives in your engine to start your car when you turn the key. Maybe he knows!

    Source(s): Me, myself, and I
  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    may be coolent needs to get replaced

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