2004 Chevrolet Impala Logo
Anonymous Posted on Nov 26, 2011

I have a 2003 chevy Impala. The hot coolant light keeps coming on and temp gauge goes up. We have changed the thermostat replace the gaskets. Has new radiator and new fan. NOthing has helped. Dont know what else to do.

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  • Kenny Rodgers Dec 01, 2011

    what gaskets were replaced i will go ahead and say that if you ran the vehicle very hot at all the 3.4L is known for poppin heade gaskets and cracking cylinder heads what engine do u have

  • Anonymous Dec 03, 2011

    Manifold gasket was changed. it is a 3.4 liter. We put a new radiator in today. My husban ran compression tests on the cylinders and all were good. He drove the car home about 20 miles from replacing the radiator. It ran hot about 5 miles from home but the gauge went back down to normal then back up. He had to put like 3 gallons of water in it. Gonna check it out more tomorrow. Thank you so much for your input.

  • Anonymous Dec 03, 2011

    the compression test we ran nums 1 and 2 had 140 lbs 3and4 had 150-160 5 and 6 had 140 they all also held it for awhile we left them in for about five minutes or so and no change

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John Trigg

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  • Posted on Dec 03, 2011
John Trigg
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It could be a blown head gasket. Check for water bubbles on the oil dipstick, and for oil in the radiator. Also, get rid of all that water in the radiator. and replace it with a quality anti- freeze / anti-boil solution. Then have a good tune-up. Check and replace , if needed, the spark plugs. Ensure that the gap is right. Same/same for points. Then check the timing. Those things should get you going again. Please don't forget to rate this answer.

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  • John Trigg Dec 03, 2011

    Please let me know if this worked, John

  • M T
    M T Oct 05, 2022

    Same issue but no bubbles on the dipstick. No water in the oil.

  • Jeff Armer
    Jeff Armer Oct 05, 2022

    Hook up a scan tool an view live data from the coolant temp. sensor to the PCM/ECM ,What is the temp. Real temp of the engine . Use a infrared thermometer (you can buy one at harbor freight for 20 buck ) take the engines temp. To many people have gone through this - bought all these parts an the vehicle still appears to be overheating. The problem could be the temp gauge is wrong. GM used bad stepper motors in the instrument cluster ,stepper motors control the gauge needle. 2003 to 2006 are the years of these bad stepper motors . I sent out dozens of these year clusters for repair for just this reason. Make sure it's really over heating , watch youtube videos on testing

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