GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Engine temperature lamp comes ON and stays ON, or the temperature gage shows hot, or coolant overflows from the reservoir onto the ground while the engine is running.

1

Check for a loss of coolant.

Is there 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

Check for a loss of system pressure.

Use the J 24460-01 .

Is there 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

Check for low coolant protection.

Use the J 23688 .

Is the low coolant protection at or above the specified value?

-37 C (-34F)

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 there any inoperative cooling fans?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Repair or replace the electric cooling fans as necessary. Refer to Cooling Fan Inoperative

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

Check the drive belt tension.

Check the drive belt tensioner.

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 Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical 3.0L.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Check for a cracked coolant recovery reservoir or a leaking hose.

Is the reservoir cracked or is the hose leaking?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Repair or replace part(s) as necessary.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 13

System OK

13

Check for a faulty auxiliary water pump.

Is an auxiliary water pump faulty?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

Repair or replace the auxiliary water pump. Refer to Auxiliary Water Pump Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15

Check for a faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Refer to Cooling System Description and Operation .

Is the sensor operating properly?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

16

Replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls 3.0L.

Is the engine still overheating?

--

Go to Step 17

System OK

17

Check for obstructed radiator air flow or bent radiator fins.

Is the radiator air flow obstructed?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

18

Remove or relocate any add-on parts that block air to the radiator.

Remove any debris from the radiator fins.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 19

System OK

19

Check 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 overheat?

--

Go to Step 21

System OK

21

Check for blocked cooling system passages.

Are the cooling system passages blocked?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

22

Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

Flush the cooling system. Refer to Flushing .

Does the engine overheat?

--

Go to Step 23

System OK

23

Check for a faulty engine water pump.

Are the impeller blades broken or eroded?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 25

24

Replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 25

System OK

25

Check the radiator cooling capacity.

Is the proper sized radiator being used on the vehicle?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Cooling

Go to Step 26

26

Replace the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

System OK

--