Car overheating.. what could be the main problem?

Asked by Tommy Jun 19, 2021 at 03:31 PM about the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car is overheating even after
replacing thermostat, bottom
radiator hose, flushed
radiator...what else could cause
this?

2 Answers

Air in the system, worn water pump, cooling fans not working etc, etc. If the car blows white smoke or it is losing coolant all the time the head gaskets may be bad.

1 people found this helpful.
157,625

Most likely you have air trapped in the cooling system. With the engine cold remove the radiator cap and loosen the bleeder screw at the thermostat housing. Add coolant to the radiator until coolant comes out of the bleeder screw in a steady stream. It's also helpful on these vehicles to have the front of the vehicle parked so the front is angled upwards. On the 3.8L V6 symptoms of a blown head gasket are going to be the intake manifold gaskets. These engines rarely blow head gaskets but the intake manifold gaskets always fail! Is it overheating while driving or idling/slower speeds? Hope that helps! Jim

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    munron
    Reputation
    8,230
  • #2
    James Sparrow
    Reputation
    7,520
  • #3
    Dorian Hendricks
    Reputation
    6,170
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Pontiac GTO
5 listings
Used Pontiac Firebird
15 listings
Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,060 listings starting at $15,871
Used Chevrolet Impala
9 Great Deals out of 107 listings starting at $4,632
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Camaro
16 Great Deals out of 307 listings starting at $10,500
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
7 listings starting at $3,000
Used Cadillac CTS-V
1 listings starting at $38,388
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
24 Great Deals out of 911 listings starting at $11,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.