My car engine overheats when driving short distances?

2008 FORD FOCUS

300,000 MILES • 1.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

BATUMA REAGAN

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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?

Oct 14, 2023 at 8:19 AM

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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.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Oct 14, 2023 at 12:08 PM