2002 Chevy S-10 Overheating

JLUCEY3

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET S-10
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

The other day I ran into the local grocery store, and left my truck running. I may have been in the store for a total of 10 minutes max, when I came back out, the temperature gauge was almost red to the max. I got back in put it in park and started driving, the temperature gauge slowly started to go back to normal. I have also noticed when I stop at a red light and my truck idles for a few moments, the gauge climbs high again, but once again when I start to move it goes back to normal. My coolant level is fine, what do you think that the problem may be? Thank you for your time.

1 Reply

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Okay, just a couple of things for us to check.

First, you have a VISCOUS DRIVE cooling fan. Please do this check. If the fan assembly free-wheels without drag (the fan blades will revolve more than five turns when spun by hand), replace the fan drive. This spin test must be performed when the engine is cool. For the following test, the cooling system must be in good condition. It also will ensure against excessively high coolant temperature.

Next, please go to Auto Zone or O'Reilly's and for FREE they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for FREE also they can bring their tester out and check your battery, alternator and starter.

Next, when was the last time you flushed your system, changed your thermostat?

Do you have good heat inside the cab from the heater?

Are you running Dex-Cool in your system?

How is your water pump - can you shake the fan blades from side to side and show play in the shaft or is there any sign of water leaks?

Have you had to add any antifreeze?

It isn't blowing any white smoke out the tail pipe is it?

Please let me know what you find from the checks and answer my questions and we will take it from there.