Engine Overheating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Step	Action	Yes	No
DEFINITION: The engine temperature lamp comes on and stays on, or temperature gauge shows hot, or coolant overflows from the coolant recovery reservoir onto the ground while the engine is running. Special Tools: GE-26568: Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester
1	Check the condenser, radiator, and auxiliary coolers for any obstructions or bent fins that would prevent air flow through the radiator. Is there any airflow obstruction or bent fins?	Go to Step 2	Go to Step 3
2	Remove any debris that may cause an air flow obstruction. Remove or relocate aftermarket add-on components that block air flow to the radiator. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 3	System OK
3	Check for loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors. Are there any loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors?	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 5
4	Repair or replace any loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 5	System OK
5	Check for an inoperative cooling fan.. Is the cooling fan inoperative?	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 7
6	Repair or replace the cooling fan(s) as necessary. Refer to Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 7	System OK
7	Check for a loss of coolant. Refer to Loss of Coolant . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 8	System OK
8	Check for kinked or pinched cooling hoses. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 10
9	Relieve any kinks by rerouting the hoses. Replace the hoses, if necessary. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 10	System OK
10	Using GE-26568: Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester, check the coolant concentration. Does the coolant concentration test correctly?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 11
11	Replace the coolant, if necessary. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 12	System OK
12	Check for any blocked cooling system passages. Are there blocked cooling system passages?	Go to Step 13	Go to Step 14
13	Remove any obstructions by flushing the cooling system. Refer to Flushing . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 14	Go to Step 19
14	Inspect the water pump drive belt. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 15	System OK
15	Check for a faulty thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 16	System OK
16	Replace the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 17	System OK
17	Check for a faulty water pump. The impeller blades may be eroded or broken. Is the water pump faulty?	Go to Step 18	-
18	Replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 19	-
19	Operate the system to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?	System OK	-