Part 1
Engine quickly overheats:
Engine runs fine but gets very hot shortly after you start it. This problem usually occurs after only five minutes of running or after traveling about a mile. You may or may not notice steam coming from the hood or smell coolant.Possible causes:
Engine coolant level may be very low: Refill coolant to proper level.
Engine's drive belts may be broken or slipping: Tighten or replace belts.
The electric cooling fan may not be coming on: Repair or replace cooling fan. Repair wiring. Replace cooling fan temp sensor.
The ignition timing may be set wrong: Adjust ignition timing.
There may be a vacuum leak: Check and replace vacuum lines as required.
The engine may have mechanical problems: Check compression to determine engine condition.
The engine's thermostat may be stuck closed: Replace thermostat.
There may be a leak in the cooling system: Repair leak and refill coolant.
Cylinder head gasket(s) may be bad: Replace cylinder head gasket(s).
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Engine overheats:
Engine runs fine but gets very hot while driving. This problem usually occurs after moderate to extended periods of driving. You may or may not notice steam coming from the hood or smell coolant.Possible causes:
Engine coolant level may be too low: Refill coolant to proper level.
Engine's drive belts may be broken or slipping: Tighten or replace belts.
The electric cooling fan may not be coming on: Repair or replace cooling fan. Repair wiring. Replace cooling fan temp sensor.
The ignition timing may be set wrong: Adjust ignition timing.
There may be a vacuum leak: Check and replace vacuum lines as required.
The engine may have mechanical problems: Check compression to determine engine condition.
There may be a leak in the cooling system: Repair leak and refill coolant.
Cylinder head gasket(s) may be bad: Replace cylinder head gasket(s).
Car is over loaded or driven too hard: Lighten the load and back off the gas.
The radiator or block may be clogged: Reverse flush cooling system and fill with fresh coolant.
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Your engine or oil light comes on while driving:
The oil light may be marked engine. If this is the case, this light and warning system monitors the water temperature of the engine in addition to the oil. If this light stays on regardless of how fast you run the engine, there is a serious problem. Sometimes the light will come on when the engine is idling and go out when the engine's speed is increased. In most cases, this problem becomes more evident as the problem gets worse.Possible causes:
The engine has lost oil pressure or has low oil pressure: Oil pump has failed. Stop the engine and have it repaired. (Not a DIY job)
The oil pressure sending unit is bad: Replace sending unit.
The engine is very low on oil: Check and fill oil.
The engine is overheating: Repair cooling system.
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Your check engine or service engine light comes on or stays on:
This can be a very confusing situation since all manufacturers have called this light by different names. Additional confusion is caused since manufacturers have different systems that are monitored by this light. In most cases, this light is part of the electronic engine control system. When the light comes on, it means that the car's computer has detected something wrong in the control system. The lamp remains lit until the problem is corrected. In some systems, it could just indicate that there is a problem. The warning light may suddenly come on and remain on, or it may come on and go out after a period of time.Possible causes:
The engine's computer has detected a problem in the system: Have system checked with a scan tool to determine problem. (Generally not a DIY job)
The engine's oil pressure is extremely low: Stop engine and do not resume operation until cause of low oil pressure has been determined and repaired.
The engine is overheating: Repair cooling system.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA DIY
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