My car overheats within 20 minutes of driving. A goo jelly like substance is overpouring from the radiator. The top is cracked.
My car is overheating, with goo jelly like substance overpouring. The radiator top is cracked. What should I do to fix this? Drain completely and start over?
My car has 120000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
It sounds like you have been using the wrong coolant for your engine or the transmission cooler is leaking transmission fluid into the coolant. Either way you need to replace the cracked radiator and flush out the system with clean water and coolant flush after you put in the radiator and thermostat. Make sure to use only GM-approved coolant.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Why is my car overheating but it has coolant in it? It could be that the coolant concentration is not correct, or you may have a bad thermostat, a failed water pump, broken drive belt, or a bad radiator or radiator fan.
If the coolant tank is full, the problem may be electrical or mechanical in nature, in which case a tow to the nearest repair shop is definitely in order. A leaking hose, worn or broken fan belt, bad water pump, or malfunctioning thermostat may be the culprit.
Coolant/antifreeze is added to a vehicle`s cooling system, which circulates the fluid throughout the engine and radiator to prevent overheating. If your vehicle`s cooling system is functioning properly, it will effectively reduce the heat produced by the engine and keep everything running smoothly.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR FAULTY: SYMPTOMS
Higher idle speed. Increased fuel consumption. Poor starting behaviour.
How long can a car overheat before damage occurs? It only takes 30-60 seconds of overheating for permanent damage to infiltrate a vehicle. As soon as you notice signs of overheating, you need to act. Failure to do so might result in troubles like coolant leaks, damaged radiator caps, and a faulty cooling fan.
If you`ve only popped out on a short drive in town, the radiator won`t be all that hot at all, and should cool down within 20 to 30 minutes. However, if you`ve been gunning it on the motorway, you can expect to wait around an hour for the radiator to cool down enough for it to be safe to handle.
Technically speaking yes you can use plain water in your cooling system but it isn`t recommended as a long term solution and certainly not in extreme weather conditions.
If you`ve only popped out on a short drive in town, the radiator won`t be all that hot at all, and should cool down within 20 to 30 minutes. However, if you`ve been gunning it on the motorway, you can expect to wait around an hour for the radiator to cool down enough for it to be safe to handle.
The minimum mark is the lowest amount of coolant your engine will need and going below this may cause overheating problems. On the other hand, overfilling your coolant tank above the maximum level when it`s cold will mean that there`s nowhere for the coolant to expand into once it heats up.
The minimum mark is the lowest amount of coolant your engine will need and going below this may cause overheating problems. On the other hand, overfilling your coolant tank above the maximum level when it`s cold will mean that there`s nowhere for the coolant to expand into once it heats up.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My car overheats within 20 minutes of driving. A goo jelly like substance is overpouring from the radiator. The top is cracked.
ANSWER : It sounds like you have been using the wrong coolant for your engine or the transmission cooler is leaking transmission fluid into the coolant. Either way you need to replace the cracked radiator and flush out the system with clean water and coolant flush after you put in the radiator and thermostat. Make sure to use only GM-approved coolant.
Replaced alternator on car 2 times each time shows it’s charging 14v let car run for a little bit then test drive and car voltage
ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.
MY BRAKES LOCK AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS?
ANSWER : Hi there. It’s possible that you have a failing brake master cylinder or brake caliper that is causing the brake issues you’re experiencing. In some cases, when a master cylinder is leaking, you’ll get that smell you are noticing; however it can be something entirely different – ranging from a damaged ABS sensor or a brake module. Due to the multiple possible causes of these issues and since brakes locking up is a significant safety concern, it would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a brake system inspection to start the diagnosis process.
My car is loud when driving (sounds like I have no exhaust) and it takes about a min to get up to the speed limit then goes faster
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have damaged your catalytic converter when your car was stuck in the snow. It may have possibly resulted in the converter housing itself being caved in causing it to not flow properly resulting in the exhaust gases being clogged inside the body of the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When the catalytic converter is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. This should also cause a check engine light to come on as the O2 sensors should be reading the incorrect amounts of oxygen in the exhaust gases if this is your problem. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.
It sounds like you may have damaged your catalytic converter when your car was stuck in the snow. It may have possibly resulted in the converter housing itself being caved in causing it to not flow properly resulting in the exhaust gases being clogged inside the body of the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When the catalytic converter is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. This should also cause a check engine light to come on as the O2 sensors should be reading the incorrect amounts of oxygen in the exhaust gases if this is your problem. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.
My car stutters after driving it for a few minutes – 2002 Toyota
ANSWER : This may also be caused by what is called the fuel pressure regulator. This is a unit that helps to maintain the fuel pressure at the proper level. When this is not working properly, the fuel pump may be pumping properly, but the fuel may not arrive at the fuel injectors at the proper psi. When this happens, this can cause a lean fuel condition which may cause the car to hesitate, misfire or stall. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your fuel pressure.
When I drive my car for about ten minutes, the gas pedal does not accelerate anymore, non of the gears work.
ANSWER : Hi there. There seems to be an issue with the ignition switch on your vehicle. The engine should shut off when the key is in the ’OFF’ position. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you troubleshoot the ignition switch and related electrical circuits.
Feels like car isn’t shifting into second gear, cant go over 20mph in drive.
ANSWER : There is an issue with the transmission is the main valve either is disconnected inside the transmission oil pan on the controller or the controller has an internal leak or a check ball is not holding. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your transmission.
When I’m driving, sometimes the car over revs and jerks when I shift gears after the cars been on for a while
ANSWER : Hi There,
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
