Hot temperature coolant gauge

CGORHAM

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET

I have an Impala approximately 60,000 miles. I have done good with regular upkeep maintenance. My problem is the "hot temperature coolant" light keeps coming on. When I start driving the temperature gauge starts to move as normal. But, I cannot even make it a mile, and the temperature gauge goes to the red. It will stay on the red for a while and the longer I drive, it will go back to normal. But when I come to a stop, like at a stop light, the temperature gauge goes back up again to the red, until I start driving again. I have pulled over to the side of the road when the light is on and the coolant inside in not even warm.

If I continue to drive for a while with the light on I begin to hear a noise, possibly the fan belt. But I also looked at the belt and from what I can see, there is not damage. Of course, I have not looked underneath yet. Recently, but not everyday, I get a scent as if the car is too hot. What is going on?

5 Replies

BIGBADPIRATETOM

MEMBER
19 POSTS

If the coolant in the radiator is not even warm, then it is not circulating, which is why your engine is overheating. Suspect the thermostat. Remove it. Boil it in water. If it does not start to open at its stamped temperature, then it is faulty. They are inexpensive to replace. A candy or meat thermometer can be used, but the thermostat should certainly open once the water starts boiling. It should actually start to open a bit before the water starts boiling (145, 160, 180, or 190 degrees are typical ratings).

If the funny fan/belt noise you hear is coming from a belt driven water pump, the pump could be frozen or otherwise faulty. Check the thermostat first, though.

Thomas

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Friday, October 5th, 2007 AT 12:11 AM

BAD STRIFE

MEMBER
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This is kind of similar to what is happening to my Chevrolet 2004 impala with just about 60,000 on it.

I noticed and I assume it is my thermostat, but it could very well be my water pump too.

I have also noticed my heat, is next to impossible to get to warm up it seems, so I am wondering if it has to do with my heating core too.

So here are my symptoms: I drive fine, when I stop my temperature jumps up to overheating and the light turns on high coolant temperature, then as I start to move the temperature begins to drop again.

As for the sound that the other person is hearing, is their car is going into overheat mode, and it will drop the use of some of the pistons, cylinders (mind you I am not a mechanic) and drop the rate at which it fires so you can travel to a safer place and extended miles too (cuts down on damage read your book :) )

So should I assume it is my thermostat not allowing for the fluid to return correctly? And as I start moving the vibrations help jar it open.

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Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 AT 9:01 AM

CHEVYM0M

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1 POST

Just took our 2005 Impala in for all the same symptoms and in this case it is the water pump. Kind of young for that problem, but that is what it is. Also, have to replace the thermostat since it got so hot and now no longer works, which is why we could not consistently get hot or cold air. Work was done at Chevrolet dealership, so fortunately is should be under our extended warranty, a bit inconvenient at the time.

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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 AT 1:08 PM

PHIL SALMON

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1 POST

Reason for hot coolant light?

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Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014 AT 10:28 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,895 POSTS

This would be either the thermostat is stuck or the engine is low on coolant.

Here are two guides that will help you get the problem fixed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken