When the car is parked, the car will start to overheat slowly?

IOAN CIMPU

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
3.4L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
202,000 MILES

When I am driving the car is okay, when I stop at a stop light or when the car is parked, the car will start to overheat slowly, I can see the engine temp gauge go up. When I am driving the gauge goes back to normal.
This happens after I drive 20 km.
When I am parked, after driving 20 km the engine temp gauge go up, I have to press the accelerator to about 2,000 RPMs - 3,000 RPMs to get it to come back down.
Also if the engine is not cool down and the temp gauge is at 75 % up the radiator fan are still running for couple of minute after I park the car and close the car. I have to press the accelerator to about 2,000 RPMs - 3,000 RPMs to get it to come back down, after this the car is fine when I close the door.

Another problem is sometimes the temperature gauge is at 45 %, this is at normal position when I stop the car and park. If I start the car after 5 second again the temperature gauge is going up to 65 %, I suspect it could be the coolant sensor problem too!

I have air in the cooling system too.
Coolant level is okay.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

The slightly higher reading after shortly turning the engine off and then back on is normal. The coolant sits in the engine not circulating. This causes it to get hotter.

Also, if the underhood temp exceeds a specific temp, the fans will continue to run for a short time after turning it off.

Now, you indicated there is air in the system. That is likely the cause of the problem. I am basing that on the idea that the cooling fans are running when stopped and the engine is running.

I attached the directions for bleeding air from the cooling system. You will need to open a bleeder on the thermostat housing (pic 1 below). Remember, do this when the engine is cold.

The remaining pics are the directions.

Try this to see if you can get the air out of the system. Also, have the heater turned on high heat when bleeding it as well.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)