2002 Pontiac Sunfire Overheating

2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

161,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL

SKILLOVERSTR

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Hi, I just bought a 2002 Sunfire and it turns out that it has an engine overheating problem. A coupple of days ago i pulled into my driveway and the cooling system liquid suddenly stated to drip out from underneath, I thought it was a leak but I put in more cooling liquid in it to see if that was the problem. Then I drove it some more and the leaking problem stopped, but now the car tells me that the engine is overheating by just driving short distances. i was told that the car got a new water pump so I dont know if that might be the problem. I have read that some rapairs for an overheating problem can cost $500+ (IF THEY FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT) and I honestly dont have the money for that, I am a university student and I just need a working vehicle to get me to school. I wanna know if the effort to spend 500 bucks or more is worth it or should I just take it to like a dealer or something and get something that works.

Sep 8, 2010 at 9:16 AM

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WRENCHTECH

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
20,761 POSTS

I hate to tell you but an overheating issue can be a lot worse than that.

The first thing that needs to be done is get the system completely filled and pressure tested to look for leaks. I suspect that previous overheating problems may have led to a blown head gasket which can be very expensive. You need to get to the bottom of the problem now before the head gasket becomes even more likely.

Sep 8, 2010 at 9:47 AM