1996 Chevrolet Lumina Over heating

Tiny
BVASQUEZ88
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
My car keeps overheating but the radiator and backup compartment for coolant are completely full, it smells like something is burning and every once in a while the power steering goes out, I cant even drive the car 2 miles without it completely overheating, even with the heater on it overheats, I don't know if its the thermostat or a more serious problem. I really don't have the money to pay for a diagnostic, if its just a hose or belt or thermostat I can afford that but I can't afford anything crazy. Any help would be appreciated.
Friday, August 15th, 2014 AT 3:43 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Before I say anything, I need you to check and make sure the serp belt is tight. It sounds like the belt is loose allowing the PS to not work properly. If it is loose, the water pump may not be turning fast enough.

Check that and let me know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 15th, 2014 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
BVASQUEZ88
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Its loose how do I tighten it or do I need to replace it? Theres a part on the belt that looks like its been burned.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 15th, 2014 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
That is what I thought. The burned spot is most likely from trying to turn things but instead slipping.

Your vehicle has an automatic belt tensioner. It needs to be replaced. I have attached a diagram of the belt system on your vehicle. The first pics are of a timing belt. That isn't what you need, but if you page down, you will see diagrams of the serpentine belts. Find the one that is like yours and you will see where the tensioner is located.

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/chevrolet/lumina/1996

The tensioner is bolted to the engine. Since the belt is loose, remove it. Then you will need to unbolt the tensioner and replace it. Once replaced, with a wrench, you turn the tensioner so that you can reinstall the belt. When you release the tensioner, the belt will automatically be adjusted. Since the belt is somewhat damaged, I recommend you replace it too.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 15th, 2014 AT 10:13 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Overheat Content

Is Your Engine Cool Enough to Check?
VIDEO
Is Your Engine Cool Enough to Check?
Instructional repair video
Overheating Symptoms
GUIDE
Overheating Symptoms
An overheating engine is never a good thing to have happen. If the problem is caught quickly you can save the headache of a major engine repair. Knowing the information from...
VIEW MORE