Vehicle Questions and Answers
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As you're cruising in your Chevy Cruze, if you notice it's overheating, several things could be causing the issue. Possible culprits include a coolant leak from a cracked head gasket, radiator, water pump, or hose. Start by inspecting the hoses for any damage. Another possibility is a malfunctioning radiator fan, which can be replaced for $88 to $138. A faulty thermostat could also be to blame. Replacing the thermostat could cost anywhere from $30 to $238 for parts alone, and professional installation could add another $58 to $238 for labor.
I own a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze with a 1.4-liter turbo RS engine. I replaced the temperature sensor assembly, radiator, thermostat, temperature sensor hose, and had the cylinder head repaired at the machine shop. I'm wondering why the thermostat is not opening and my car is now overheating.
Replace the coolant reservoir! I had an issue where my engine was overheating, and I wasted a lot of money at a mechanic's shop without getting it resolved. Eventually, I took matters into my own hands and after some investigation, I came across a small leak from a hose under the reservoir. I replaced that hose, but it didn't solve the problem. Then I decided to change the entire reservoir, and that finally fixed the overheating issue!
We've experienced this three times already. Those are worthless, I wouldn't accept one even if it was offered for free.
Folks, the problem lies in the programming done by the manufacturer! Water typically starts boiling at 100 degrees Celsius. In the Chevy Cruze, the fan kicks on at 99 degrees Celsius, just shy of boiling. This high temperature can cause issues such as thermostat failure, blown hoses, and failed water pumps, especially in hot regions. Other car brands have their fans operational at lower temperatures, around 85-90 degrees Celsius. To address this, you can bypass the Engine Control Module (ECM) by using a 2-wire temperature switch connected to the hose, linked to a relay, and then to the fan's low-speed relay. You can verify this by checking live data with an OBD scanner.
I've gone through all the responses, but none of them seem to offer a solution that fits my situation. Recently, I've had some work done on my car – the head was taken care of, a new water pump was installed, and the thermostat housing was replaced. When looking at the live data, I can see that the engine temperature usually stays between 240 and 215 degrees, but it can sometimes spike over 255, triggering an overheating warning. However, the warning disappears once the temperature drops back down. The cooling fan is working fine, turning on and off as needed. What puzzles me is that the hose past the thermostat feels cool compared to the other components, and even the air coming from the fan seems chilly. I've checked for leaks, bled the system, and made sure the coolant level is good. Despite all this, I'm still at a loss. Do you have any suggestions?
If your Chevrolet Cruze is running too hot, the issue may be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, blocked radiator, compressed hose, or broken water pump. To prevent engine damage, have it inspected promptly.