Overheats only when idling

Tiny
RUBEN541X13
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
If I rev it up or drive it around it won't overheat. I checked both radiator hoses and they're both cold enough to hold and fans do come on.
Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 11:23 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,844 POSTS
Have you checked the coolant level? Here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-engine-and-battery-pack-antifreeze-levels

If okay, it sounds like the thermostat is stuck closed or the cooling fan is not working. This guide should help us see what's going on. Then we can fix it.

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

I would check the fuses for the cooling fans, here is a guide to help and the fuse locations in the diagrams below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

I have also included the wiring diagrams for the cooling fans so you can see how the system works and which fuses to test. Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
RUBEN541X13
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
The cooling fans work. I replaced the thermostat, and it still overheats on idle only.
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Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,844 POSTS
Does the engine boil over at idle? I have seen where the water pump impeller becomes loose or is broken which doesn't allow the coolant to flow when idling. To be sure the water pump needs to be removed here are the instructions to do so in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 AT 9:10 AM

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