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Home >> Pontiac >> 2004 >> Aztek Base, FWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 213 (Engine Cooling System) >> Diagnostic Information and Procedures >> Engine Overheating

Engine Overheating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and 2004 Chevrolet Impala. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Engine Overheating

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 toStep 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. See Special Tools and Equipment .
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. See Special Tools and Equipment .
Is the low coolant protection at or above the specified value?
37°C (4°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:
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 Draining and Filling Cooling System  .
  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 Baffle and Deflector Replacement - Lower , to Radiator Air Baffle and Deflector Replacement - Side , or to Radiator Air Baffle and Deflector Replacement - Upper  .
Does the engine still overheat?
- Go to Step 19  System OK
19 Inspect the position of the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis (Overheating)  or Thermostat Diagnosis (Slow to heat)  .
Is the thermostat stuck in the closed position?
- Go to Step 20  Go to Step 21 
20 Replace the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Replacement (3.4L)  or Thermostat Replacement (3.8L)  .
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 (3.4L)  or Water Pump Replacement (3.8L)  .
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