Engine Overheating
| Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEFINITION: The engine temperature lamp comes on and stays on, the temperature gauge shows hot or coolant overflows from the coolant recovery reservoir onto the ground while the engine is running. | ||||
| 1 | Inspect for a loss of coolant. Has a loss of coolant occurred? |
- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 3 |
| 2 | Refer to Loss of Coolant . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Use J 24460-01
Cooling System Pressure Tester to test for a loss of system pressure. See Special Tools . Did you notice a loss of system pressure? |
- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 |
| 4 | Correct the system pressure. Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 5 | System OK |
| 5 | Use J 23688
Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester or J 26568
Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester to test for low coolant protection. See Special Tools . Is the low coolant protection at or above the specified value? |
-37°C (-34°F) | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Correct as necessary. Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 7 | System OK |
| 7 | Test for an inoperative cooling fan. Refer to Cooling Fan Inoperative . Did you find any inoperative cooling fans? |
- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 9 |
| 8 | Repair or replace the electric cooling fans as necessary. Refer to Engine Coolant Fan Motor Replacement (L26) or Engine Coolant Fan Motor Replacement (LS4) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 9 | System OK |
| 9 |
|
- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 10 |
| 10 | Replace the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement
for the 3.8L engine or Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement - Accessory
for the 5.3L engine. Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 11 | System OK |
| 11 | Test the radiator fins for an obstruction. Are any of radiator fins obstructed? |
- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13 |
| 12 |
|
- | Go to Step 13 | System OK |
| 13 | Inspect the cooling system passages. Are any of the cooling system passages blocked by rust or scale? |
- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 15 |
| 14 |
|
- | Go to Step 15 | System OK |
| 15 | Inspect for a pinched or kinked coolant recovery reservoir hose. Is the reservoir hose pinched or kinked? |
- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 17 |
| 16 | Replace or reroute the hose as necessary. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement (L26) or Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement (LS4) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 17 | System OK |
| 17 | Inspect for a loose, damaged, and/or missing deflector. Are the deflectors loose, damaged, or missing? |
- | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 19 |
| 18 | Replace the deflectors. Refer to the following procedures:
Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 19 | System OK |
| 19 | Inspect the thermostat. Is the thermostat stuck in the closed position? |
- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 21 |
| 20 | Replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (LS4) or Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (L26) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 21 | System OK |
| 21 | Test for a faulty water pump. Is the water pump faulty? |
- | Go to Step 22 | Go to Step 23 |
| 22 | Replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement (LS4) or Water Pump Replacement (L26) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 23 | System OK |
| 23 | Check for an incorrect radiator. Is the radiator correct? |
- | Go to Step 1 | Go to Step 24 |
| 24 | Install the correct radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement (L26) or Radiator Replacement (LS4) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 1 | System OK |