Overheating issues

2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
160,000 MILES • 3.4L • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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SGRASSROPE
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  • 1 POST
I changed the thermostat in my car it drove good for two days. The last time I drove it the heat gauge went hot pretty quick. It did not start smoking, there was no smell, and I turned the heat on, (all the way up), but it did not blow hot it was kind of cool air. Does anyone know what could possibly be the issue?
Jul 2, 2018 at 11:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If you had no heat and the engine ran hot, it honestly sounds like it is low on coolant. Keep in mind, you may have had an air pocket in the system that finally moved allowing this to happen. The first thing to check is coolant level.

Do this and let me know what you find. Note: Never open the radiator when it is hot, but I need you to check both the overflow bottle as well as the radiator itself for level. If you find it is low, make sure there are no leaks. The best way to do that is to pressure test the system. Here are directions for checking:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Jul 2, 2018 at 7:06 PM
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