My car engine overheats when driving short distances?

Tiny
BATUMA REAGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 FORD FOCUS
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
My car engine overheats on driving a short distance. The check engine light is always on when I start the engine. But I noticed a coolant leakage around the pulleys, but radiator fan is always on. On parking I find coolant splashed on the bonnet so what is the probable cause?
Saturday, October 14th, 2023 AT 8:19 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yep, this can happen when the thermostat sticks closed which is common. This guide can help, and I have left instructions in the images below to help you change the thermostat out. To be sure you can grasp the lower radiator hose and if it is cold, I would replace the thermostat.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Saturday, October 14th, 2023 AT 12:08 PM

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