Overheating/transmission?

AORTEGA98

MEMBER
1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
V6
AUTOMATIC
186,261 MILES

Temperature gauge doesn't go into the red, but it goes right before it. I have to put coolant in it every other day or every 2-3 days. Now the car doesn't seem to want to go forward unless the temperature gage is at least at halfway mark. Otherwise, it just idles high. Once it gets hot it does fine. I just bought this car and it was fine besides it almost overheating. I thought this guy knew what he was doing when he said it was the thermostat but since he replaced that now the car bogs and acts as if it's going to shut off, but it doesn't it just bogs. It is using more gas and now this with it not wanting to go forward unless the engine is hot. I'm going to try and fix this myself so if you can give me as many details as possible. Thanks

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,840 POSTS

Let's first run the codes to see what comes up then check the level of the transmission fluid, also we should test for a blown head gasket. here are three guides to help us see what's going on, please go over them and get back to me.

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

When checking the fluid level in the transmission take note of the fluid condition, smell to see if it is burnt. Please go over these guides and report back.