Overheated while driving

AMILLIADAWN

MEMBER
2006 PONTIAC G6
2.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

So, I bought my first car! It worked for thirty minutes. I was driving at about 45 to 50 heading home. The dash was dinging saying I was overheating. I lost all power to the gas pedal and couldn't keep going. (I was just trying to make it home) I pull over and white smoke is pouring from the front end only. No smoke outta the tail pipe. When it cooled off I could start it and it will run until you out it in drive. I haven't started it since that and that was in September of 2018. I'm not sure what's wrong with it and I just need to try to figure it out so I can appraise getting my first car fixed. Please help I'm 18 and know only the basics when it comes to vehicles I'm hopelessly lost!

1 Reply

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

Well, It sounds like maybe a radiator hose might have burst or something in the cooling system sprung a leak.The first thing I suggest is to do is fill the radiator and overflow tank with water to the proper levels if empty.You need to perform a cooling system pressure test.If you don't have access to a tester your local auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one.Basically what it does is pressurize the cooling system with the engine shut off and it will allow you to see where the leak(s) are coming from if something burst. I've attached a tutorial showing what is involved.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions if needed.Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-