2004 alero heating up coolant level ok can not tell if both fans are coming on
Most common overheating problems are: 1) incorrect coolant or degraded coolant mixture (check specific gravity), 2) bad thermostat (replacement it simple and part is cheap) , 3) bad water pump (will usually see a leak at pump or hear gurgling coming from heater core area when warming up engine) 4) bad radiator (will be leaking / steaming from radiator area) 5) cooling fan not coming on after engine has reached operating temperature). First, deternine the specific gravity of your coolant. You can buy a cheap tester for this, or some auto parts stores will check it for you. If your coolant looks discolored or rusty, a flush and coolant change would be first line of action. Second, determine if your cooling fan at radiator is coming on. Start engine and allow it to idle until you have reached operating temperature, about 3-10 minutes. With hood open, you can visually and audibly notice the fan kick on after that point within the next 10 minutes. If not, could be bad temperature sensor or fan relay. To test temp. sensor, remove wiring clip on the sensor usually located on or near thermostat housing (follow large hose from top of radiator to where it connects to engine, that is the thermostat housing). Using a multimeter set to OHMS @ 200 , should get a reading of about 81 ohms resistance. If bad, replace, test warm up procedure as before. If still not kicking on, better to take to a mechanic to check relay system if you are not very mechanically savy ;) If fan kicks on primary stage and engine overheats, replace thermostat. Do this by tracing to the housing, remove bolts on housing retainer to expose thermostat,replace, reseal with gasket and RTV sealant (use sparingly) or if o-ring type, no sealant used. Spring end toward engine block, then put housing back on tighten bolts a good hand tight, do not overtighten, as you can crack the aluminum housing. Use warm up procedure as before and check to see if still overheating. If so, could be clogged radiator. If you have leaks, trace to origin, that is most likely the cause. Let us know what you find.
Mike
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