2001 Mitsubishi Galant car is overheating, failed a smog ch

DIHUGHES

MEMBER
2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT

Engine Cooling problem
2001 Mitsubishi Galant 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 126k miles

After a recent drive from Los Angeles to Davis, CA and back, my car has developed a serious overheating problem. I can keep the temperature down by blasting the heater or keeping the car in neutral at stop lights, but this obviously isn't terribly sustainable. The coolant, oil, and other fluid levels appear to be fine, and nothing appears to be leaking.

The car also failed a smog check this morning, despite having easily passed in the past, which may or may not be related.

The car has approximately 126,000 miles on it, but had a new engine put in about 10,000 miles ago.

Any advice or things I should check into before taking this to a mechanic? Thanks so much!

1 Reply

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

If you need to get back with me please tell me if your model is the DE, ES, GTZ, or LS and the engine size in liter.

If the fluid level is okay... It may be your thermostat, water pump or radiator cap, your belt and tensioner in good condition. Are your radiator cooling fans working okay?

It is possible your radiator may not be circulating really good but if it kind of just developed... Then that would be my last thing.

My advice... Check the coolant (I know you did - but maybe once more), new radiator cap, your belt and tensioner....... Water pump..... Did they use the old on the engine replacement or a new one?