Engine Overheating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. 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 gage shows hot, or coolant overflows from the surge tank onto the ground while the engine is running.
1	Check for a loss of coolant. Refer to Engine Overheating . Is there a loss of coolant?	Go to Step 2	Go to Step 3
2	Fill the system to the specified level. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (L61) . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 3	System OK
3	Check for kinked or pinched surge tank hoses, especially at the radiator. Are any surge tank hoses kinked or pinched?	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 5
4	Relieve any kinks by rerouting the hoses. Replace the hoses, if necessary. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 5	System OK
5	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 6	Go to Step 7
6	Repair or replace any loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 7	System OK
7	Check the coolant concentration. Does the coolant concentration test correctly?	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 8
8	Replace the coolant, if necessary. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (L61) . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 9	System OK
9	IMPORTANT: Use the correct pressure cap. Check the system for loss of pressure.Is there a loss of pressure?	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 11
10	Repair any leaks, as necessary. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 11	System OK
11	Check for a faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Is the engine coolant temperature sensor faulty?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 13
12	Replace the ECT. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement for the 2.2L (L61) engine or Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement for the 3.5L (LX9) engine. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 13	System OK
13	Check the radiator for any air flow obstructions or bent fins. Is there any airflow obstruction or bent fins?	Go to Step 14	Go to Step 15
14	Remove or relocate add-on parts that block air flow to the radiator. Clean any debris from the radiator core. Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 15	System OK
15	Check for any blocked cooling system passages. Are there any blocked cooling system passages?	Go to Step 16	Go to Step 17
16	Remove any obstruction. Flush the cooling system, as required. Refer to Flushing . Refill the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (L61) . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 17	System OK
17	Check for an inoperative cooling fan. Is the cooling fan inoperative?	Go to Step 18	Go to Step 19
18	Replace the cooling fan. Refer to Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (L61) or Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (LZ4, LZ9) . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 19	System OK
19	Check for a thermostat that is stuck closed. Is the thermostat stuck closed?	Go to Step 20	Go to Step 21
20	Replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (L61) or Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (LZ4) . Does the engine still overheat?	Go to Step 21	System OK
21	Check for a faulty water pump. The impeller blades may be eroded or broken. Is the water pump faulty?	Go to Step 22	-
22	Replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement (L61) or Water Pump Replacement (LZ4) . Does the engine still overheat?	-	System OK