Engine overheating and shutting off

BRIANNA EDWARDS

MEMBER
1995 TOYOTA COROLLA
1.6L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

My car's engine stalled while driving the other day. My gas gauge is broken so it doesn't read accurately, and I was running low on fuel so at first, I thought it was possible that I ran out. I got more gas and the car started, but very shortly after it shut off again. This time my temperature gauge showed that my engine was overheating. I let the engine cool and was able to start it again, but the same overheating issue repeated itself.

When I popped my hood and checked my coolant level, I saw that the reservoir was an awful orange color (my coolant is the green kind), so I inferred that there must be an excessive amount of rust in my radiator. Wondering if that's likely the main cause of my overheating issues, or if this sounds indicative of anything else/more complicated.

Thanks for your help!

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

It is possible, but that in and of itself wouldn't cause it to overheat unless it was blocked.

I need you to check something for me. First, you indicated the reservoir was orange in color. Did you check the radiator itself? I've seen the radiators empty with coolant still in the overflow. Check that, but only when the engine is cold.

Next, check the transmission fluid. Make sure it isn't mixing with coolant. The cooler for the transmission is part of the radiator. They can fail internally and cause issues.

I do have one other request. When the engine is running and warmed up, see if the heater works.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

If possible, take a pic and upload it for me to see the reservoir.