For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: The engine temperature lamp comes ON and stays ON, or the temperature gage shows hot, or coolant overflows from the surge tank onto the ground while the engine is running.
1 | Check for a loss of coolant. Refer to Loss of Coolant. Is there a loss of coolant? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 3
2 | Fill the system to the specified level. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 3 | System OK
3 | Check for kinked or pinched surge tank hoses, especially at the radiator. Are any surge tank hoses kinked or pinched? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5
4 |

1. Relieve any kinks by rerouting the hoses.
2. Replace the hoses if necessary.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 5

System OK

5 | Check for loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors. Are there any loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7
6 | Repair or replace any loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors. Refer to Radiator Air Side Baffle and Deflector Replacement or Radiator Air Upper Baffle and Deflector Replacement. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 7 | System OK
7 | Check the coolant concentration. Does the coolant concentration test correctly? | -- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8
8 | Replace the coolant if necessary. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 9 | System OK
9 | Note: Use the correct pressure cap. Check the system for loss of pressure. Is there a loss of pressure? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11
10 | Repair any leaks as necessary. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 11 | System OK
11 | Check for a faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Is the engine coolant temperature sensor faulty? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13
12 | Replace the ECT. Refer to one of the following:

• | Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement for the 2.0L engine

• | Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement for the 2.2L or 2.4L engine

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 13

System OK

13 | Check the radiator for any airflow obstructions or bent fins. Is there any airflow obstruction or bent fins? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 15
14 |

1. Remove or relocate add-on parts that block airflow to the radiator.
2. Clean any debris from the radiator core.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15 | Check for any blocked cooling system passages. Are there any blocked cooling system passages? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 17
16 |

1. Remove any obstruction.
2. Flush the cooling system as required. Refer to Coolant System Flushing.
3. Refill the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 17

System OK

17 | Check for an inoperative cooling fan. Is the cooling fan inoperative? | -- | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 19
18 | Replace the cooling fan. Refer to Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 19 | System OK
19 | Check for a thermostat that is stuck closed. Is the thermostat stuck closed? | -- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 21
20 | Replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 21 | System OK
21 | Check for a faulty water pump. The impeller blades may be eroded or broken. Is the water pump faulty? | -- | Go to Step 22 | --
22 | Replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | -- | System OK