Overheating?

KYLE KANE CLIFFORD

MEMBER
2008 CHEVROLET UPLANDER
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My vehicle started just fine and it's -20 outside so I let the van run for about 20 minutes before going to the store to get gas. As I'm pumping the gas the van starts overheating, so I turn off the car. Finish pumping gas, get back in and start up the van and it's back to normal temperature. So, I drove about a block away from the gas station and it overheats again so I drive another quarter mile so I can pull over and let it cool off. Now the van won't start at all. I turn over the key, and it clicks but does not start. We boosted the battery, still nothing. Why won't my van start?

Friday, December 23rd, 2022 AT 10:31 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

Because of the extreme temperatures, the first thing I suggest is to confirm the anti-freeze is strong enough to prevent freezing. If you have -20-degree temperatures, keep in mind, the wind chill is colder, and you are driving into the cold air. That can cause the coolant to start to jell if it is too weak.

As far as the no start, how hot did the engine get and how long did you drive it like that? Also, when you turn the key to start it, do you hear anything such as a click from the starter motor? Have you checked to make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight?

Let me know. In the interim, take a look through this link. You may find it helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

I just read over your post again. I noted you do hear a click. Is that coming from the starter? Also, make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight. If it clicks, either we have a battery issue or a connection. Other than that, the only thing would be to make sure the engine hasn't seized.

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, December 23rd, 2022 AT 4:49 PM

KYLE KANE CLIFFORD

MEMBER
2 POSTS

When the engine started overheating again, after I left the gas station, the temperature gauge quickly went all the way on the "H" side of the gauge. I went against my better judgement and drove for about another minute and a half before I stopped and turned off the van. I hope the engine didn't seize, like you said. The van is still parked in the parking lot where it broke down on me. I'll go back in the morning and boost the battery, and make sure the battery terminals are good. And I'll check the antifreeze as well. If you have any other suggestions for me before I go back to the van, I would really greatly appreciate it. Thanks

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Friday, December 23rd, 2022 AT 10:03 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

When you go back, take a larger socket set and a breaker bar so you can place it on the crankshaft bolt and confirm you can turn the engine by hand.

I'm hoping for the best. Let me know what you find. I'm interested in your findings.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, December 24th, 2022 AT 11:39 AM