Car / Truck Overheating - How to Diagnose - Fluid Coolant Leak Fan Water Pump Thermostat Temp Gauge

How to test your cooling fan: • EASY Test Honda CR-V C...
In this video, Josh walks you through the five most common causes of overheating in your vehicle and how to easily diagnose which issue might be yours. If your temperature gauge is in the red, watch this video to figure out why!
Possible Culprits:
-Leaking Coolant
-Cooling Fan
-Water Pump
-Thermostat
-Radiator Cap
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[@dknc7393]

For the novice out there, make sure your engine is cooled down before opening that radiator cap. If you have to open it while the engine is running, using a towel over it and slowly turning it and let the pressure slowly release the air/coolant or what not. Wear eye goggles.

[@thelordisgood1619]

Excellent statement so true

[@mobetter25]

Great advice

[@martinc3597]

Yes... #Safety First! 🙇🙏🙏

[@lucindahaskin4844]

First time doing this and in a women but I've learned if you want something done right do it yourself. Thanks for your help

[@wavybone999]

lol.

[@eliam4184]

Thank you so much - this has really helped me. My car heats up when at the stop light or slow driving in traffic - so now mechanics in my country won't lie to me - i am informed. Thank you so so much.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it helped

[@kada0420]

What was the issue?

[@ryancang3627]

I'm guessing radiator fans

[@rubydreams6345]

I’ve been having overheating issue for a couple of years... this help A LOT - THANK YOU!!!

[@webthing8028]

Have u been driving for them 2 years as well??

[@martinc3597]

I been having problem... Just saving money.

[@beexiong2171]

im dealing with my car overheating too right now...it went all the way to the H in the temperature gauge.. and was smokey too lols..just took it to Midas i hope its just a thermostat, or something easy to repair/fix. pray for me guys !!!! i hate paying for the costs car repairs aint no joke...lets just say my damn car is always in the shop 2 or 3 times a year lols.

[@MoeFokah]

My friend, EVERYTHING you just typed, I'm going through right now. Imagine me idling at a red light and i can't even see ahead of me because of all the white smoke out the hood

[@chupo4putin]

buy a toyota!

[@MatejBosansky]

Very important thing to check - Oil tank, because water can leak to engine through head gasket and mix with oil what will cause milky colour of oil. Additionally this significantly reduces lubrication properties of oil and can cause severe damage to engine.

[@winner6905]

Very good in details and diagnoses, my Insignia was alway leaking coolant, the problem was the Damaged thermostat, ( the rubber seal was melted and disappear) thanks.

[@johnhora4644]

Great video brother!!, straight forward, direct & easy to comphrend.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks!

[@teaiorobinoka9883]

This lesson gives me the full idea, thanks a lot.

[@MichaelSvenson]

That battery is growing some nice crystals!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Science!

[@dennislapoint499]

Great video. Straight forward and easy to follow. Another area to check is the heater core. Check for wet spots inside vehicle on passenger side under dash. Try back flushing heater core before replacing.

[@martinc3597]

You have video? 🤔🤔

[@ChrisCresta-hs8cz]

What is a heater core

[@agnesakiwumi8916]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing

[@Power4MyPpl]

Very informative

[@nighttime9539]

Thanks, very informative!

[@waltersiziba3975]

You explain the way i like ❤

[@JudgeDredd02]

Older video but a great one. Thank you

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks 🤙🏽

[@Power4MyPpl]

Great video

[@brookes5504]

Finally found a video that answered my question. Thank you!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad I could help!

[@lifeisbeautiful2630]

Very nice great job brother 👍

[@jquanreid9743]

Crystal would like to ask right you're ready it is clean no leaking from the water pump and engine oil changes proper water pump problem but the water is building a pressure into the hose back to the radiator and sometime here bubbling it what could be a cause of it

[@stephenthomas4276]

thank you for this

[@JohnDoe-fs6lz]

Thanks for this

[@donnahassanin291]

Excellent video very well done. Thank you for this video.

[@everleon131]

Thanks for the great info! I have a 2008 tacoma 4 cyl my truck overheats I checked there's no sign of coolants in the oil. It's got a new water pump new thermostat it looses about half a gal coolants every 100 miles.. any help will be appreciated

[@scottrutter283]

Mint, thank you.

[@sniperpaintcorrection6790]

What temperature should the radiator hoses be when they are hot or what shouldn’t they exceed ? Mine get really really hot

[@camarinchargualaf9827]

great video. thank you

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You are welcome!

[@georgeperez6008]

God bless you for your wise godly message. Quick question. I have a 2018 buick encore. Its over heating. Im using water til i figure out whats wrong. When it over heats. I notice high pressure out of reservoir. Sometimes the water is low sow i add. Most time it has water. Also no mixing of any other fluids in resorvoir. No leaks underneath and no strange noise. I think my oil could be low. Will do oil change. My question if the oil level is low. Would that cause overheating. Also noticed that some days all works fine. Can you please share your input on this. Just checked oil. Past the full line. Put oil dip stick back in and got a bad knocking sound and a lot of smoke from engine exhaust and resorvoir cap. That I loosened. Had to turn off car.

[@guardingheroes]

I’ve noticed that it was low on coolant. When the engine is cold I take off the radiator cap, turn on the car and then pour the coolant so that it goes through the system evenly as I pour. Once it’s full, I put the cap back on and close it. I’ve been told this is the proper way. Is this correct? Thank you for this video. Having trouble with the 05 Lotus Elise where it’s fluctuating numbers when it’s sat over night and I turn it on in the driveway in the am and shows high temp 😖 It wasn’t driven anywhere!!! Aagghhh

[@TankboiDeng]

Very simple and helpfull

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it helped

[@jdaveta1]

Thank you 😊

[@ojkodhiambo3057]

Very helpful thanks

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it helped!

[@Davidadventures]

Seems like there are two other causes. 1. Impeller on the water pump is broken, so water won't be pumped through the system. Do you have any easy diagnostic technique? 2. Plugged radiator. If you're sure the radiator cap is good, the coolent isn't leaking, the thermostat is working, the head gasket is intact and your fans are working. It seems like it has to be a radiator plugged up or the water pump impeller is broken. Got any ideas on how to determine which one it is?

[@manuelsalgado8510]

On my 2003 Ford Ranger, once is hot I can open the radiator cap and the coolant stays put and doesn’t overflow, is that normal? However , when the truck is off but hot and I open the radiator the coolant comes up and overflows, your thoughts?

[@AnilPrajapati-lc1md]

I found a cut in cap of radiator which results in emptying all water from radiator. In accent gle petrol engine water gets mixed How to resolve it Car not starting Batter discharged completely Pl help

[@davidwu5444]

Should we check the cooling level on the reservoir?

[@ghorbanalirazmjou8591]

Thanks

[@grudgeracinmedia]

Can a missing intake bolt cause your vehicle to overheat?

[@martinpindura3791]

Awesome

[@joycesladek9616]

or a belt issue that controls the fan to keep the engine from over heating.

[@tradethelingo]

what about ECT sensor or air pockets?

[@orlandojimenez7531]

My fans are working fine I changed the radiator and the water pomp is new and is still over heats I also added new hose tees because it would break them

[@willriseabove6858]

I got a 86 f150 and I replaced timing chain. water pump, thermostat, and the radiator and its not necessarily over heating so much as its just boiling water an keeping it in the reserve. I thought it'd be head gasket but aside from heat theres no other sighns like the milky oil. and I'd prefer not to go back in for that.

[@aayesher9400]

Something is blocking coolant flow. Maybe in the block or possibly still in the coolant when you changed all that and broke free into new parts

[@mikemaben7485]

Do u know y cars have loud obvious alarms about stupid seat belt , AND LITERALLY NOTHING WHEN MOTER IS OVER HEATING ?

[@mikebarrett8752]

Ive checked my coolant, it is leaking from somewhere in my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. I've had the radiator replaced, the water pump hose replaced, coolant cap replaced, the fan is working fine. Jeep dealership didn't diagnose head gasket issue, or faulty thermostat. So I am guessing due to having no working heating, ( cabin air is cold) that I have a leak in the hoses going to the heating core, is this the most likely cause. Or the pipes are blocked? Or could there be air in the pipes? I'm at loss, it's my daily driver, it's winter and no heat in the cabin means I can't even defrost my windscreen

[@cristintylervadenlovliv7121]

Ac compressor or hose connected to ac compressor sometimes for cheap fix bc ac compressor is pricey you bypass the ac compressor which causes no heat

[@marcusstandingrock859]

i have a 2004 cadillac deville and i had a leak on my water jacket hole gasket so i change the thermostat, water pump, cleaned all rubber hoses and i even clean out the reservoir which had alot of gunk in it. so why isnt my upper radiator hose getting any coolant flow to the radiator

[@aayesher9400]

If it's the northstar motor, that might be your answer.

[@psvchx]

4:25 I definitely just learned something new

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Great!

[@mohammadshahrahimi1986]

Great... thanks

[@of_dog]

This video is shot from such a low perspective at the beginning, it feels like I'm a kid helping my dad but with less screaming

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Actually I am your father...

[@of_dog]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii That's a plot twist I wasn't expecting!

[@jamescrabb8766]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii Are you sure Lord Vader?

[@RealStrategyGaming]

I got a kia rio and all the inside lights don't work. What do you think the problem is? I am gonna try to change the light bulbs. And someone took the middle back break light too behind back seats. its pitch black at night inside the car which is kinda trolling me a little bit. I need to count down 3 to know its in drive or something like that.

[@RealStrategyGaming]

its just odd since my old car never had to have inside lights fixed and its 25 years old. Ill go to pepboys or advanced autoparts later and see if its just bulbs

[@RealStrategyGaming]

I got new lights nothing works. ALl the lights besides dashboard and lights outside the car are broken.. Like what the heck? Idk if this is a interesting topic for you to solve or not? As if someone gutted the wires on the car some ghetto stuff?!

[@Automo.Mickey]

@@RealStrategyGaming check the fuses

[@fearmenot9580]

It's the reservoir hose line. That burst. THE Mechanic said, Is $324 too much?? Is that labor included?? Mine is a 2013 Ford Fiesta SE Can anyone help.

[@mustangjoe8352]

I have a 2006 Honda element ,shouldn’t the bottom radiator hose be cooler than the top radiator hose the radiator is cooling off the coolant from the fans,The bottom hose on my car is quite cool compared to the top Hose,Should this be OK what do you think

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Is the thermostat located at the end of your upper or lower radiator hose? Yes the hose next to the thermostat will be cooler having traveled thru the radiator. However if your engine is overheating the thermostat should be wide open allowing coolant to pass through constantly and coolant will still be hot to touch in both hoses. If hose near thermostat is SIGNIFICANTLY cooler, I would suspect a thermostat problem.

[@mustangjoe8352]

Thank you

[@johnhora4644]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii thermostat on element on block side of lower hose, real tricky to change.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Roger that, I’ll avoid it!

[@joshuamiller2627]

When I was driving home from work I smelled antifreeze and when I got home I was hearing bubbling sound so when I took the radiator cap off the radiator was empty and had brown sludge inside the radiator and on the cap and my reservoir was full also had brown sludge and I poured more antifreeze in the radiator but it didn't seem like it was filling up so I now I have a leak but idk if it's the water pump or a bad hose or if it's clogged up or if it's a bad cap

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Brown sludge is worrying, hopefully just rust residue and not head gasket leak. I would get a new rad cap first and see if that helps. Otherwise I would start testing for head gasket leak

[@apache9549]

My radiator has been a constant and consistent game of whack a mole over the past 8 days does anybody have any solutions to fixing this problem?? It’s become a huge Nuisance

[@kevinhancock4064]

OK i have 2 fans they both seem to operate from doing basic tests . Ac on right side fan comes on . Turn heating down (ac off) to lowest fan then comes on .. I have a coolant not returning to radiator issue ??? Thanks

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Overheating problem? Stuck thermostat would cause that to happen

[@kevinhancock4064]

@Budget Mechanic Hawaii hi thanks for reply. Great tip it could be bad again maybe . I've got a water pump on its way so I'll chelate pump bekt AND thermostat (got new 1 here ) and go from there . Thanks pal Time ago I was getting groaning noises mostly at lower speeds they gone now ..I'm wondering if bearings in water pump gone bad and freed up from simply bearings slightly collapsing

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Usually if WP bearings go out it will leak but anything’s possible. I’ve also seen the impeller blades disintegrate so it spins but doesn’t move water.

[@juliewilliams1441]

I know this is old, but I’m hoping you will answer this. My 1989 Jeep I left running to charge the battery because I don’t drive it than much. It ran for about 35 mins. When I turned it off. It made a weird sound for a few seconds then steam came pour from under the hood and under the car, the pavement was drenched. I opened the hood when the car stopped steaming so bad and everything under the hood was wet!! Idk if it was coolant, but as far as I can tell there was more water/coolant on the passenger side under the car. But idk for sure because liquid was everywhere!! I mean the steam was really really bad! It doesn’t have AC as it is an old car and it wasn’t made w one. What should I do next? Put water in the radiator and run it to see if I can see where the leak is coming from? I know I’m female, but I’m really handy w cats and have replaced starters, fixed AC fans, thermostats, etc. So I’m not a total novice. I’ve just never seen a car overheat and seen this much liquid coke out. Also, while it was running, it didn’t steam. It didn’t steam until after I turned it off and it made a sound and it steamed so bad it looked like it was on fire 🔥 Really Bad! 😝 I did jump in and look and see that the thermostat gauge was running hot. Do you have any ideas of what I can do next? Thank you & God bless!!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Sounds like a coolant leak of come sort. Like you said, you’ll need to refill the radiator and run it again and try to find source of leak. Also Auto parts stores will often rent you a coolant system pressure tester so you can pressurize it without running the car.

[@juliewilliams1441]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii ok I will try that. Thank you very much for answering me. I’ve just never seen that much steam. And it didn’t start until I cut the car off. Which was really strange. But one thing I know, there’s no coolant left in it because I think it’s gotta be dry with all the liquid in the engine and on the ground. LoL. Thanks again!

[@user-ex2ti1yu2x]

An your radiator may be blocked up too if improper coolant or water goes inside

[@sniperpaintcorrection6790]

What if I turn the car off. It cools down, and I come back 40 min later and the fan is still running , then battery dead

[@danniellerush2980]

I SWEAR I THINK I'M A MECHANIC NOW AND AFTER 1 VIDEO

[@user-oj3tf5lj2n]

I have a 1999 explore and have a Lea under the air conditioner what or were could it be

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Low leak sounds like water pump, or it’s dripping down. Not sure

[@johnpacatang1308]

I went to repair shop to fix my timing chain. After they fix it, i got overheating issues. Its so bad. They said my fan not working, b4 i went to that shop theres no issue about overheating. 😢😢😢

[@YwaeKoe]

Hi brother can u help me My car Toyota Camry 2005 My car what happened Overheating But I change already water pump and thermostat and cap and temp sensor done But my car not working overheating can u help me anyway

[@tomyj.4164]

👍👍

[@jamespugh4011]

I have an 04 grand marquis and I can’t find my radiator cap.

[@MarkyMag619]

Hello I have a 05 Toyota 4Runner and for some reason only in a drive thru line at in n out for about 30 min. my car begins to heat up then after I place in park and turn on the heater it goes down right away. Do you know what could be the culprit? It has coolant

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

If it overheats when not moving it probably means your cooling fan is not working.

[@MarkyMag619]

Ok it doesn’t do it that often, I am also in traffic everyday for work but so far it’s only happens ever so often also sometimes it sounds like a swishing water sound under the dashboard also when I turn in the car or a sound like when you move water in a gallon sort of sound.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Just confirm your fan is running tho!

[@MarkyMag619]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii yes it is running

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Ok as long as coolant level is full and not leaking, I would start to worry about sticking thermostat (cheap fix) or water pump failure

[@barryallenflash1]

I'm fighting with my wife's 2009 Ford Escape. So far I've replaced the thermostat and the temp sensor and it's still overheating. I've noticed a leak on the driver's side by the heads, but can't really pinpoint it. There's what looks like a "hole" on the side of the block and that's where it's leaking from, but I don't know what the hole is. Any tips? When I replaced the thermostat, apparently I didn't purge the system like I should've. So I drained it and purged it and it somewhat helped, but now it's back to overheating and no heat in the cab!!! UGH!!! HELP!! ANYBODY?

[@bennyhuxen9929]

Check freeze plugs they seal open parts located under beginning back past firewall goggle,

[@barryallenflash1]

@@bennyhuxen9929 Well, since I couldn't figure it out, I wound up taking it to our mechanic. I did see a leak, a very OBVIOUS one, but wasn't sure if it was something I could fix....it was. It was the "water outlet". It's right on the manifold. You prob know what I'm talking about so no need to look it up on a auto store site. The dad-in-law helped us out financially, since my wife takes him to appointments and other things. He's in Asst. living...5 other people, so they really don't have anyone to take their folks. ANYWAY! That's what it was......

[@Bonbonbon739]

My 2011 Chrysler 200 was overheating, and or constantly getting air in the system. It turned out. It was my heater core. It was bad, but it wasn’t leaking until It got really broken. That’s when it started leaking by my feet.

[@ChrisCresta-hs8cz]

What is a heater core

[@ijaztariq2541]

JAMING OF RADIATOR FAN,LESS COOLANTS LEVEL,HIGH AND FORCED ACCELERATION, CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING

[@camilaswildadventures7914]

Pinched overflow tank hose

[@agnostudio]

Don't have a radiator inlet

[@benpracht2655]

Where can I get that diagram you show?

[@drkdale]

Screen shot

[@aceboogie1157]

Took my 2006 g35 to a mechanic to replace the starter and now the car is immobilized and neither of my key fobs work at all. Can’t get ignition to even turn. Please help anybody

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Sounds potentially like a theft security system that happens after disconnecting the battery? I would check associated fuse and then consult dealer?

[@aceboogie1157]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii thank you very much for replying. May you be blessed in life.

[@user-up5rz8ij3w]

What's wrong when your coolant run out

[@mzshytown]

I have a problem. I chance my thermostat, my temperature control sensor, my water pump, and just this past weekend my radiator. My fans works fine. And my vehicle still overheats at stop lights and drive thru. What could be the problem? I'm just over it..😔🤦🏾‍♀️

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

frustrating! Not leaking coolant? with functioning fans, water pump, and plenty of coolant, it shouldn't be overheating... If all these things check out, I would check for bubbling/boiling in your radiator reserve reservoir or do a block test to check for head gasket leak...

[@mzshytown]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii Exactly what I thought. Shouldn't be after all that. It's no leaks or steam anywhere. It just backs up and coming out the reservoir overflow holes. But yeah that was my next step to do a head check. I might have a small fracture on my head somewhere. Thanks for the info.. 🤙🏽

[@mzshytown]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii Oh yeah it does have boiling and bubbling in the reservoir. What does that indicates?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

mzshytown hopefully it’s just a bad radiator cap, check/replace that. If it’s still doing it, it really points to a head gasket leak...

[@mzshytown]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii I dont have a radiator cap. It's just the one on the reservoir. How can you tell if that one not working right? I checked it, it doesn't looks wore or cracked rubber.

[@christopherpinto884]

Head gasket is a common failure for overheating 🥵

[@MoeFokah]

That's my worst fear. Got a VERY smoking engine and a near empty coolant reservoir.

[@JohnDoe-fs6lz]

I have a 19 Camry with 83k miles. I know there is definitely a leak

[@kofikumako5021]

Still the coolant is boiling

[@enderboy6491]

thank you Jesus for being our savior 🛐 praise our LORD thank you Jesus for being our savior 🛐 praise our LORD thank you Jesus for being our savior 🛐 praise our LORD thank you Jesus for being our savior 🛐 praise our LORD

[@Michealswatches]

Jesus is gay

[@user-kt5lz5tj2l]

What are u on about

[@user-tz1oj9hd6m]

Probably just a loose starter wire

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Hmm

[@user-ev3un5ut6x]

Its not a 10 dollar part

[@jesseedwards3352]

5 or 10 bucks my tail for a cao

[@user-oj3tf5lj2n]

It's none of this