Temperature gauge went past the H in the car and the temperature light came on?

1KESHA

MEMBER
2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING

The heat in my car recently went out and then the car just started running hot where the temperature gauge went past the H in the car and the temperature light came on. I took it to the shop and they said that the housing unit on top of my radiator had burned out and that I needed a new thermostat and a flush and fill. I got that done and it ran well for about a week. The heat went out again and it's running hot again and now the engine light has popped on. Do you have any suggestions on what the problem could be?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The engine overheating and the heater not functioning can be due to being low on coolant.
With low coolant level the engine will not have sufficient cooling and there will be little to not flow through the heater core for the heater to function properly.

So first check the coolant level. If it is low look for any leaks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-heater-not-working

A stuck closed thermostat can also lead to overheating and poor heater performance. I know you said it was replaced, but it is possible to have a defective thermostat that failed prematurely.

Since the check engine light is illuminated, it will be a good idea to scan the retrieve the code(s). It may or may not be related to overheating.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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