While there are a variety of reasons your Pontiac Grand Prix is overheating, the most common 3 are a
coolant leak
(water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat. Coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.)
What is the most common cause of a vehicle overheating?
Leaks
are the #1 reason a vehicle begins to overheat. Leaks in hoses, the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, heater core, head gasket, freeze plugs and a few other things can all lead to problems with the vehicle’s cooling system.
How do I find out why my car is overheating?
In general, it’s because
something’s wrong within the cooling system and heat isn’t able to escape the engine compartment
. The source of the issue could include a cooling system leak, faulty radiator fan, broken water pump, or clogged coolant hose.
How do I fix my car from overheating?
- Turn off the air conditioner. Running the A/C puts a heavy load on your engine.
- Turn on the heater. This blows some excess heat from the engine into the car. …
- Put your car in neutral or park and then rev the engine. …
- Pull over and open the hood.
What causes a car to suddenly overheat?
Car overheating can be caused by
low coolant
, a faulty radiator fans, a broken serpentine belt, or a stuck thermostat. Stop driving an overheated car.
What are the signs of a blown head gasket?
- White smoke coming from the tailpipe.
- BUBBLING IN THE RADIATOR AND COOLANT RESERVOIR.
- unexplained coolant loss with no leaks.
- Milky white coloration in the oil.
- Engine overheating.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?
- Leakage from the mounting surface. Appearance: Seepage, drips or large coolant bleed marks on or around the mounting surface or on the housing. …
- Rust and corrosion. Appearance: Rust and corrosion on the surfaces of the thermostat. …
- Deposit build-up. …
- Map-controlled thermostats.
Why is my car running hot when sitting still?
A Broken Radiator Fan
If your car begins to overheat when idling, but the temperature gauge moves back down once you get going, it’s most likely due to a broken radiator fan. … However, when your car is sitting still,
the radiator fan should kick in
, keeping the air moving over the radiator to help cool down the coolant.
Can I drive my car after it overheats?
Driving your car when it’s overheating can cause serious – and sometimes permanent – damage to your engine, so
it’s best to stop driving as soon as possible
.
How long can a car run hot before damage?
You have
around 30 to 60 seconds
before serious damage is done. If your engine reaches maximum hot, it can cause seized-up valves or even pistons.
How do I know if my engine is damaged from overheating?
- Hot Hood. When the engine is running, you can expect the hood to emit heat and feel warm to the touch. …
- Temperature Gauge or Light. …
- Ticking Noise. …
- Coolant Leaking on the Ground. …
- Smells “Hot” …
- Steam Coming from the Hood. …
- Thumping Noises. …
- Reduced Engine Power.
Can an overheated engine be fixed?
Your radiator is likely already damaged, but
in the early stages of overheating, it can be repaired
. The more you drive on it, the more you’re likely to see burst hoses burst, failed radiator stems, and exploding cooling systems.
How much does it cost to fix a car that overheats?
For most cars, some of the more expensive repairs to overcome the car running hot will cost
between $500 and $1,500
. These include replacing the water pump, radiator, or head gasket and changing the heater core cost. If you have a specialty engine or a diesel, these repairs may be even more expensive.
What is the fastest way to cool down a car?
- Move the Air. You can quickly cool down your car by removing the hot air from inside. …
- Use the Air Conditioner and the Outside Air. When you get in your car, roll the windows down.
- Use a Sunshade. …
- Park in the Shade. …
- Use the Air Conditioning.
Can I pour water on my engine to cool it down?
Do not pour cold water into a still-hot radiator
— it could cause the engine block to crack due to the sudden change in temperature. … Note that most cars require a 50/50 mix of coolant with water to prevent overheating, so you won’t be able to drive indefinitely with nothing but water.
Can low oil cause overheating?
Low Oil. … So, if your car is low on oil, possibly
due to an oil leak, it can lead to engine overheating
. Oil lubricates internal engine components and makes sure they move smoothly. Lack of lubrication causes friction, which will generate excessive heat, and potentially cause the engine to fail.
