Car Overheating

What it feels like

• The temperature gauge climbing past normal and into the red
• Steam from under the hood
• A sweet coolant smell
• The heater blowing cold while the engine is hot

Codes that usually produce this

• P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High Drive with caution 3 months estimate
• P0128 Coolant Thermostat Below Regulating Temperature Drive with caution 6 months estimate

Check these first, in this order

Free checks first. Nothing here costs money except the fuel you burn.

1. 1

   Pull over and let it cool completely, then check the coolant reservoir level with the engine cold.

   What you'll seeLevel between the marks. Empty means a leak somewhere in the system.

2. 2

   Look under the car and around the radiator hoses for wet spots or white crust.

   What you'll seeDry and clean. Crust at a hose clamp means it has been seeping.

3. 3

   Start it cold with the radiator cap off and watch for bubbles in the coolant.

   What you'll seeNo bubbles. Steady bubbles mean combustion gas is entering the cooling system.