How can I find out what the problem is for engine running hot?

2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
200,000 MILES
Avatar
DGDAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
car is running hot. temperatue gage quickly gets to 3/4 to full temperature. Engine seems to be running hot and overflow tank is overflowing. I have checked the coolant for signs of oil in coolant and found none. The fans do not kickin when the gage is a 3/4. I checked the fans by shorting them at the connector and they do turn on.
How do I know if it is a problem with the thermostat or the temperature sensor for the fans?
May 16, 2012 at 2:35 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
If the rfans work, they are not a problem but if the controls for the fan is the cause, thenm that would be another problem.

To test if it is the thermostat, use a jumper to manually run the cooling afnas and note the temperature. If it stays hot, then it could be a stuck thermostat. If the fans are running continously and temperature reading is normal, then you have a fault with the fan controls.
May 16, 2012 at 4:42 PM