Car keeps overheating and can’t figure out why

Asked by Jennifer Jul 23, 2024 at 02:16 AM about the 2008 Mercury Milan V6

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Temperature gage stays on cold, but car overheats
after running for a few minutes then doesn’t want to
crank again once it gets hot. Changed out bad
alternator before most of these issues started. I just
changed out the thermostat and mass airflow sensor
to see if that would fix the issue, but it’s still doing the
same thing.

4 Answers

Hoepfully you dont have a cracked block or head from it running hot. If not check the the following 1. Check all radiator hoses for cracks 2. Check overflow reservoir tank for cracks 3. Check the radiator itself for cracks look for crusty white residue if you see any then look fro a heavy concentration near the problem area. Lastly will the radiator with 50/50 antifreeze turn the car on and wait for it to begin to run hot. If it's leaking you will see and and find your source. Hope this helps.

2,315

Check to make sure your temp gauge is hooked up. How long have you had the car? Is this a new to you car or a new problem?

157,555

Sounds like the coolant temperature sensor is disconnected. When this happens the gauge on the dash will stay on cold but since the computer has lost the signal from the coolant temperature sensor it will assume the engine is overheating and take steps to avoid serious engine damage. The air conditioning will be disabled and the radiator cooling fans will be on high speed, among other things. Check the wiring going to the cooling temperature sensor for damage or being disconnected. If the wiring checks out good, replace the coolant temperature sensor. Jim

40,005

Was johnny jerk wrench working on your car ? Some times people think they're intelligent and get bad ideas

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