why does my car keeps overheating

1998 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA

150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

JENN1234

MEMBER
1 POST

I have a 1998 oldsmobile achieva, the problem is my car keeps overheating, it already has a new water pump and thermostat, but since it kept overheating my friend took out the thermostat but now it's still overheating, and the fan comes on somtimes late when the car is already overheating, what could be the problem?

Jan 18, 2011 at 8:54 PM

DWB812

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
108 POSTS

The most likely cause is a faulty temperature switch that is not activating your fan(s) when the coolant gets hot. It is in the side of the radiator I believe but you should be able to trace the wires from the fan to it. Reinstall your thermostadt and replace the thermo switch for the fan(s) and run the engine up to operating temperature. If the fan kicks on at around 180-200 degrees F and off when the temp. returns to normal you have found your problem. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Mar 26, 2011 at 2:20 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

First, replace the thermostat. Next, check to make sure the radiator is clean. I would flush it to be sure. Also, check to make sure none of the radiator hoses are collapsing when it is overheating.

If this problem only happens when you are in traffic or stopped, then I would focus on the cooling fans.

Apr 14, 2011 at 1:49 PM

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