2001 Subaru Forester overheating problems help

AMYBOONE

MEMBER
2001 SUBARU

I have a 2001 subaru forester with 87000 miles, I am having major cooling system problems. First of all, it's full of rust. I have had the radiator flushed many times, after I run it a day or 2, it starts to overheat again. I have had the themastat replaced, but I think that is gone again. I have no heat. Also, my cd player button won't activate. It use to work, but now nothing happens, and it's full of cds. Also, the ac lite does'nt come on, I know it could be a fuse, or relay under hood compartment, but which one is it? If someone could please help me figure out whats causing these problems I would so appriciate it. I'm scared the dealer will rip me off or charge way too much for repairs unless I know exactly what the problems are. Thank you

1 Reply

CF_ANDERSON

MEMBER
20 POSTS

I take it that these are the only 2 problems you have? Any other electronical problems(power windows, low battery voltage, ect). Let's assume that the problems are non-related. If you look at the fuse box it should tell you what fuse goes to what system - this might be the problem with your CD player. You can take out the fuse and see if it is broken.
As far as overheating goes: check the thermostat again.
1. Thermostats can be damaged by severe overheating and you need to be sure it is opening. To check the thermostat: start your car and feel the upper radiator hose. The hose should not feel uncomfortably hot until the engine has warmed-up which opens the thermostat. If the hose does not get hot, the thermostat is not opening.

2. I suspect your radiator may be clogged since you said it is full of rust. Rust can block air flow through the core and reduce the radiator's ability to dissipate heat.

Mechanics use an infrared thermometer to check the radiator. If clogged, the radiator should be removed for cleaning or replaced. Flushing the radiator and using chemical cleaners can remove rust and hard water scale, but may not do much to fix a clogged radiator.

3. Fan - I take it your cooling fan is turning on. Right?
If not, may be a faulty thermoswitch

Hope this helps.