Overheating when driving?

2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
16,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TROY HORTEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
While driving the temperature gauge starts to fluctuate at a stop sign. It will go up while driving and will go down telling me to shut engine down. Also, the power will diminish. When i stop the car, the fan will continue for a while.
Aug 8, 2022 at 7:38 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

If the cooling fan is working, have you checked the coolant level? Also, is there any smoke from the exhaust or coolant usage?

The idea that it happens when you are in stop and go traffic leads me to think it is low on coolant.

Let me know what you find. If it needs coolant, the original type is called DexCool. If that is still in the system, you need to use the same or a universal coolant that can be mixed with it. Don't use the traditional green coolant unless the entire system has been flushed and that is what was used to replace the coolant.

Let me know what you find. Also, see if the heater is working normally. If it isn't or is providing little heat, the coolant level is usually the cause.

Take care,

Joe
Aug 8, 2022 at 4:33 PM
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