GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

1

Check for a loss of coolant.

Is there a loss of coolant?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

  1. Refer to Cooling System Diagnosis .
  2. Fill the system to the specified level, then retest.

Does the engine overheat?

--

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Check for a faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

Is the sensor operating properly?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

Check for a loss of system pressure, refer to Radiator Leak Testing (On and Off Vehicle) .

Is there a loss of system pressure?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Check for a low coolant concentration level, refer to Coolant .

Is the coolant concentration low?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Repair or install new parts as necessary, then retest.

Does the engine overheat?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

Check for incorrect drive belt tension, refer to Accessory Drive Tensioner Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

Is the belt tension correct?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

8

Check for retarded ignition timing, refer to Section 6.

Is the timing retarded?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

9

Check for an obstructed radiator air flow or bent fins, refer to Cooling System .

Is the radiator air flow obstructed?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

10

Check for a pinched or leaking coolant recovery reservoir hose, refer to Coolant Recovery System .

Is the reservoir hose OK?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

11

Check for an inoperative cooling fan, refer to Cooling System Diagnosis .

Is the fan operating properly?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 6

12

Check the coolant thermostat, refer to Engine Fails To Reach Normal Operating Temperature .

Is the thermostat stuck in the CLOSED position?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 13

13

Check for a faulty coolant pump, refer to Cooling System Diagnosis .

Is the coolant pump operating properly?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 6

14

Check for a loose, damaged or missing air deflector.

Is this system OK?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 6

15

Check the radiator cooling capacity.

Is the radiator the specified one for the vehicle accessory package (including aftermarket items)?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 6

16

Does the overheating occur only when pulling a trailer?

Is the trailer weight, plus the vehicle weight less than the GCWR for the vehicle?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

17

Does the overheating occur with prolonged idling (especially with the AC ON)?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 1

18

Instruct the owner about driving techniques which will minimize this problem.

--

System OK