2002 Toyota Corolla Car Overheating!

2002 TOYOTA COROLLA
89,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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DJB29
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My car is overheating, and I have now have the engine warning light on, (orange in colour).

The engine temperature gauge on the dash climbs right up to the red and drops back to a normal level intermmittantly. I hear a hissing sound when the engine is turned off after running for around 10 minutes or more.

Since the engine warning light has come it, the car is driving sluggish. I cannot get it to a garage until friday.

Any ideas what it could be?
Jan 19, 2010 at 9:27 PM
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92 MAX
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Hi D

Wait until the engine is cold to the touch then check and top up the radiator with water, leave the cap off and start the car up turn heater control to hottest setting , fan set to low speed. check continuosly to top up with water ,as the engine warms a little the level will tend to fluctuate a little. after it has settled a little have a friend hold the car at around 1500rpm and observe the water in the radiator, observe to see if any bubble show up , if so have your local check the cylinder head for compression leakage into the cooling system.

the hissing sound is not good, If you cannot get the car sorted then it'll be worth your while to travel with a friend as overheating can be terminal !!
once problem sorted fflush and fill your cooling system with correct mix of antifreeze and water as this also reduces corrosion. Be careful with any left over antifreeze as it's very toxic or fatal to dogs.

Regards Don

New Zealand
Jan 19, 2010 at 9:57 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 8,548 POSTS
I would only add to what MAX said, DO NOT DRIVE the car.

You take a real chance of cracking or warping the head, If a VVT-I head you are looking at several thousand dollars to repair.
Jan 19, 2010 at 11:56 PM
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