Overheating issues?

Tiny
KATIE BRASHEAR STROUD
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 296,500 MILES
New radiator, new radiator cap, new thermostat, the OEM required a new water pump, heater core flush, radiator flush, and still overheating. I need help what is wrong with this car.
Sunday, February 25th, 2024 AT 4:41 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

Have you noticed any coolant consumption? The idea that you have replaced so much and it is still an issue is making me think it could be a faulty head gasket. Take a look through this link and see if you feel anything mirrors what you have been experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Next, does it overheat when you are driving at highway speeds, or does it only happen when you are in stop and go traffic?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, February 25th, 2024 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
KATIE BRASHEAR STROUD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It overheats driving and setting. No visual leaks and no water in the oil. And another thing, it doesn't have any white smoke either.
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Sunday, February 25th, 2024 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

Before it overheats, how does the engine run? Also, are you certain it is overheating and there isn't an issue with the temperature-sending unit? If you have an infrared thermometer, see how hot the radiator is when it indicates the engine is overheating.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, February 26th, 2024 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
KATIE BRASHEAR STROUD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It runs good like has power and get up and go. And the thermostat I bought at GM and temperature on it is 195.
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Monday, February 26th, 2024 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

That is the correct temperature for the thermostat. I have another question. Other than the temperature gauge in the vehicle, is there any evidence the engine is overheating? For example, steaming from under the hood, a boiling sound, or anything out of the ordinary?

I ask because you have done everything there is related to the cooling system. I guess there could be air trapped in the cooling system preventing flow. How long has it been this way?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, February 26th, 2024 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
KATIE BRASHEAR STROUD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Bubbling sometimes in the overflow tank and I bleed the lines through the bleeder valve as well. No, not one time have I seen steam.
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Monday, February 26th, 2024 AT 9:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi:

What I would recommend is to get an infrared thermometer and when the gauge in the vehicle indicates it is hot, check the temperature of the radiator, That way we can try to confirm if it is something causing this such as a faulty coolant temperature sensor or a wiring related issue.

When this happens, do you hear the cooling fans running? Also, and don't laugh, does the heater work properly? If you are driving with the heater on high, does it delay the overheating?

Let me know,

Joe
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Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
KATIE BRASHEAR STROUD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Fans do kick in. And the heater I turn it on high to help the temperature drop
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Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
KATIE BRASHEAR STROUD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Fans do kick in. And the heater I turn it on high to help the temperature drop. Heater works on and off. Sometimes it blows cool air
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Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Katie,

If the heater works on and off, there must be air in the system. That could be causing the issue. Are you aware there are two bleeders? Also, did you use the correct coolant and replace the radiator cap?

Take a look at the refill directions below. Note: The directions start on number 4 because steps 1-3 explain how to replace the reservoir. You won't be doing that.

Take a look and let me know if this is what was done. Also, please let me know if you mixed a different coolant with the OEM dexcool.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 AT 6:23 PM

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