GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Hot Light On, Hissing, Rumble, Steam, Power Loss

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Inspect the coolant level.

Is the coolant level low?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 4

2

  1. Add coolant to the system.
  2. Inspect for visual leaks.

Are there leaks in the system?

--

Go to Loss of Coolant

Go to Step 3

3

Pressure test the system.

Are there leaks in the system?

--

Go to Loss of Coolant

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect the condition of the drive belt.

Is the drive belt loose?

--

Go to Drive Belt Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the hoses.

Have the hoses collapsed?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the hoses.

Refer to Radiator Hose Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

Inspect the temperature level of the thermostat.

Is the temperature level high?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the thermostat. Refer to the following procedures:

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

Inspect the radiator.

Is the radiator clogged?

--

Go to Inspection Maintenance Recommendations.

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect the engine block.

Is the engine block clogged?

--

Go to Inspection Maintenance Recommendations.

Go to Step 9

11

Inspect for gas leaks into the system.

Is there a gas leak into the engine block?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11 or Go to step 12

12

Inspect for bubbles in the coolant.

Are there bubbles in the coolant?

--

Go to System Checks.

--

13

Inspect the water pump.

Are there bubbles in the coolant?

--

Go to Step 14

System OK

14

Replace the water pump. Refer to the following procedures:

    •  Water Pump Replacement
    •  Water Pump Replacement
    •  Water Pump Replacement
    •  Water Pump Replacement

Does the engine still overheat?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15

Inspect the radiator fan clutch.

Is the radiator fan clutch operating normally?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 17

16

Inspect for any of the following conditions that may contribute to the engine overheating:

    • An overloaded vehicle
    • The A/C system
    • Excess engine oil
    • Blocked air flow through the radiator
    • Extreme air temperatures

Does the engine still overheat?

--

--

System OK

17

Replace the radiator fan clutch. Refer to the following procedures:

    •  Fan Replacement
    •  Fan Replacement
    •  Fan Replacement

Does the engine still overheat?

--

--

System OK