GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

Check for a loss of coolant.

Has there been a loss of coolant?

--

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.

Did you discover 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 Battery Fluid Tester to inspect for low coolant protection.

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

Check for an inoperative cooling fan. Refer to Cooling System Description and Operation .

Are any of the cooling fans inoperative?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Repair or replace the electric cooling fans as necessary. Refer to Fan Shroud Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

Inspect the drive belt tensioner for proper operation.

Is the tensioner working properly and is the tension correct?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the tensioner as necessary. Refer to one of the following procedures:

    •  Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L
    •  Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Inspect the radiator fins for an obstruction.

Are any of radiator fins obstructed?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

  1. Remove or relocate any add-on parts that block air to the radiator.
  2. Remove any debris from the radiator fins.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 13

System OK

13

Inspect the cooling system passages for rust or scale.

Are any of the cooling system passages blocked by rust or scale?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Flush the cooling system. Refer to Flushing .

Repair as necessary.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15

Inspect for a pinched or a kinked hose to the coolant recovery reservoir.

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 .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 17

System OK

17

Inspect for a loose, damaged or a missing deflector.

Did you find any loose, damaged or missing deflectors?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

18

Replace the deflectors. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement , to Radiator Air Side Baffle and Deflector Replacement , or to Radiator Air Upper Baffle and Deflector Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 19

System OK

19

Inspect the position of the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .

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 .

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 .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 23

System OK

23

Inspect for an incorrect radiator.

Is the radiator incorrect?

--

Go to Step 24

--

24

Install the correct radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

--

System OK