GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Inspect for a loss of coolant. Refer to Loss of Coolant .

Is there a loss of coolant?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Fill the system to the specified level, then retest.

Does the engine overheat?

--

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

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

Is the sensor operating properly?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

Inspect for a loss of system pressure.

Is there a loss of system pressure?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect for a low coolant concentration level.

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

Inspect for incorrect drive belt tension. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 4.3L.

Is the belt tension correct?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

8

Inspect for retarded ignition timing.

Is the timing retarded?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect for an obstructed radiator air flow or bent fins.

Is the radiator air flow obstructed?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect for a pinched or leaking coolant recovery reservoir hose.

Is the reservoir hose OK?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

11

Inspect for an inoperative cooling fan. Refer to Fan Clutch Diagnosis .

Is the fan operating properly?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 6

12

Inspect the coolant thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .

Does the thermostat fail to open or open too late?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 13

13

Inspect for a faulty water pump.

Is the water pump operating properly?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 6

14

Inspect for a loose, damaged or missing air deflector.

Is this system OK?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 6

15

Inspect 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 1