For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: The engine temperature lamp comes on and stays on, or the temperature gauge shows hot or coolant overflows from the coolant recovery reservoir onto the ground while the engine is running.
1 | Check for a loss of coolant. Has there been a loss of coolant? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 3
2 | Refer to Loss of Coolant Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 3 | System OK
3 | Check for a loss of system pressure.

• | Use BT 7518 or J 24460-01 with J 23699.

• | Refer to Cooling System Diagnosis

Has there been a loss of system pressure?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4 | Correct the system pressure. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 5 | System OK
5 |

• | Check for low coolant protection.

• | Ensure that the solution is at the specified temperature.

Is there low coolant protection?

-37°C (-34°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6 | Correct as necessary. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 7 | System OK
7 |

• | Check the drive belt tension. Refer to Drive Belt Diagnosis

• | Check the tensioner.

Is the tensioner working properly and the tension correct?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8 | Replace the tensioner as necessary.

• | For the 3.1L engine, refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement

• | For the 3.4L engine, refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement

• | For the 3.8L engine, refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 9

System OK

9 | Check to see if the timing is retarded by a malfunctioning Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Is the timing retarded by a malfunctioning PCM? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11
10 | Correct as necessary. Refer to Setting Timing or IC Performance Check in Engine Electrical. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 11 | System OK
11 | Check to see if any of the radiator fins are obstructed. Are any of radiator fins obstructed? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13
12 |

• | Remove or relocate any add-on parts that block air to the radiator.

• | Remove any debris from the radiator fins. Refer to Radiator Assembly

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 13

System OK

13 | Check to see if any of the cooling system passages are blocked by rust or scale. Are any of the cooling system passages blocked by rust or scale? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 15
14 |

• | Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling

• | Flush the cooling system.

Repair as necessary.

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15 | Check for a pinched or kinked coolant recovery reservoir hose. Is the reservoir hose pinched or kinked? | -- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 17
16 | Replace or reroute the hose as necessary. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 17 | System OK
17 | Check for an inoperative cooling fan. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis in Engine Electrical. Are there any inoperative cooling fans? | -- | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 19
18 | Repair or replace the cooling fans as necessary. Refer to Cooling Fan Replacement in Engine Electrical. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 19 | System OK
19 | Check for a loose, damaged, and/or missing deflector. Are there any loose, damaged, or missing deflectors? | -- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 21
20 | Replace the deflectors. Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 21 | System OK
21 | Check to see if the thermostat is stuck in the closed position. Is the thermostat stuck in the closed position? | -- | Go to Step 22 | Go to Step 23
22 | Replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 23 | System OK
23 | Check for a faulty coolant pump. Is the coolant pump faulty? | -- | Go to Step 24 | Go to Step 25
24 | Replace the coolant pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement Does the engine still overheat? | -- | Go to Step 25 | System OK
25 | Check for an incorrect radiator. Is the radiator correct? | -- | Go to Step 26 | --
26 | Install the correct radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement Does the engine still overheat? | -- | -- | System OK