GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

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 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 .

Has there been 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

  1. Check for low coolant protection.
  2. Make sure that the solution is at the specified temperature.

Is there low coolant protection?

-37°C (-34°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Correct as necessary.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

  1. Check the accessory drive belt tension.
  2. Check the tensioner.

Is the tensioner working properly and the tension correct?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the tensioner as necessary.

Refer to one of the following:

    •  Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L
    •  Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

Check to see if the timing is retarded by a malfunctioning Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Is the timing retarded by a malfunctioning PCM?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Correct as necessary.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Check to see if any of the radiator fins are obstructed.

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

Check to see if any of the cooling system passages are blocked by 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 Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Flush the cooling system. Refer to Flushing .
  3. Repair as necessary.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15

Check for a pinched or kinked coolant recovery reservoir hose.

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

Check for an inoperative cooling fan. Refer to Cooling Fan Inoperative in Engine Cooling.

Are there any inoperative cooling fans?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

18

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

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 19

System OK

19

Check for a loose, damaged, and/or missing deflector.

Are there any loose, damaged, or missing deflectors?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 21

20

Replace the deflectors.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 21

System OK

21

Check to see if the thermostat is stuck in the closed position.

Is the thermostat stuck in the closed position?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

22

Replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 23

System OK

23

Check for a faulty coolant pump.

Is the coolant pump faulty?

--

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 for an incorrect radiator.

Is the radiator correct?

--

Go to Step 26

--

26

Install the correct radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

--

System OK