SPONSORED LINKS

Overheating Issue

Tiny
JONSOLOW13
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 LEXUS LS 430
  • 4.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 107,000 MILES
Recently my wife told me that her car overheats (runs hot) in stop and go traffic. She is not sure but said the issue is intermittent and goes away (the temperature needle goes back down slowly back to mid-point) when she drives without stopping for some distance.

I added a little water (1/2 gallon) and turned on the A/C after starting the engine (cold state first thing in the am). Both fans appeared to be turning.

Can you suggest steps to find the problem?
SPONSORED LINKS
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 AT 1:20 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I would think or start with a thermostat. It may be opening too late.

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

Do the fans work without the A/C operating? This would make sense since it does it in stop and go driving.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-electric-cooling-fan-works

If she drives with the A/C on, does it still do the same thing?

Roy
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
JONSOLOW13
  • MEMBER
  • 126 POSTS
Didn't check to see if the fans operated without A/C. Here in Florida the A/C is almost always on during daylight but I can check and get back to you.
As far as I know, the car overheats during driving where there are a lot of lights where she has to stop, wait, and then go.

My friend and I can check the thermostat. Would that be the next step?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 AT 2:15 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Correct. Test the temperature.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 AT 2:25 PM
Tiny
JONSOLOW13
  • MEMBER
  • 126 POSTS
Okay. Thanks much!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 AT 3:02 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

Sponsored links