2003 Chevrolet Venture Thermostat

2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE
169,979 MILES • 2.1L • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
CATFISH42
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My car started over heating two days ago. I added antifreeze and water thinking it was low, and it was fine for about two-three hours and the problem continued. I'm not sure if it's a thermostat issue, a bad fuse, or whats actually causing the issue. can you help me out please.
Sep 1, 2014 at 12:27 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Was the coolant actually low? If so, suspect a leaking cylinder head gasket. There's two tests for that. Does the radiator fan turn on? If that is the cause of the overheating, it will not overheat at highway speeds where natural air flow is sufficient for proper cooling. If it only overheats above a certain speed, you might suspect a corroded radiator. Check the cooling fins to see if they crumble easily. If they do, they won't give up the heat to the surrounding air.

Feel the two radiator hoses. The top one should be hot and the bottom one should be a lot cooler. Feel across the radiator to see if there's a cold spot where coolant flow is blocked.
Sep 1, 2014 at 7:30 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.