I'm driving a 2013 Chevy Tahoe with about 179,000 miles on it, and recently it's been overheating. The engine temperature gauge keeps rising and then goes back to the middle. This only happens when I'm driving, not during startup. There's no check engine light or warning messages, and the AC and heat work fine, but the fans are really loud. I don't think I need to add coolant because there's no low coolant message. Should I check the coolant level? I'm thinking it might be the thermostat, but I want to be sure.
Engine overheating 2013 tahoe
- Thread starter tstar2028
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Of course you should check the coolant level. That should be a regular check along with engine oil, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, tire inflation, etc. If nothing else you might see patterns of change.
petethepug
Michael
The coolant level sensor in the coolant reservoir is often stuck or broken. Both my 08 YXL Denal & 09 Esky ESV had that occurring.
Replace the coolant reservoir asap if it’s low and not alerting you. You never, ever want to have to shut off the motor due to overheating on the fly. No power brakes or steering is a death sentence.
You need that sensor to alert you before the overheat occurs.
Replace the coolant reservoir asap if it’s low and not alerting you. You never, ever want to have to shut off the motor due to overheating on the fly. No power brakes or steering is a death sentence.
You need that sensor to alert you before the overheat occurs.
Went to a local mechanic they said apparently I have a crack in my radiator and "severe " leak! they want $1900 to replace radiator,hoses,thermostat But is that even true? I have no Check engine light or no message! All i saw was the coolant is low
if your coolent is low there's a good chance the radiator plastic end tank is leaking somewhere. if you look for it while it's hot, you can probably find a wet spot. leaking water doesn't set a check engine light until you've overheated it enough. usually by the time is comes on its hot enough it's not good for the engine at all. if it is leaking you probably should be able to smell the coolent.
the price seems high to someone like me that doesn't go to shops, that's about 200-400$ in parts. but the diagnosis seems plausible and having cars fixed is expensive. you could get a 2nd option from another shop and ask them to show you the leak.
the price seems high to someone like me that doesn't go to shops, that's about 200-400$ in parts. but the diagnosis seems plausible and having cars fixed is expensive. you could get a 2nd option from another shop and ask them to show you the leak.
solli5pack
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Yes..at your miles failed parts in the cooling system is extremely common. Just about everyone on this fourm would replace everything just to be safe. $1900 seems outrageous especially since they're not replacing everything. But that's why most of us D.I.Y.
+1 as not knowing we have coolant level sensors..
petethepug
Michael
Uh, Yea!?! $1,900.00 for $300 of OEM GM parts. That is if that shop was even going to get you the GM radiator that’s guaranteed for life.
For that price you could buy all the parts plus all the corresponding OEM GM heater hoses and fittings for an Indi tech to replace and still have 5-$8h left over.
Tell the mechanic who offered the $1.9k deal you’re buying him lunch. Drop off the appropriate lunch below. Tell ‘em you can get more a the dollar store if they want …
For that price you could buy all the parts plus all the corresponding OEM GM heater hoses and fittings for an Indi tech to replace and still have 5-$8h left over.
Tell the mechanic who offered the $1.9k deal you’re buying him lunch. Drop off the appropriate lunch below. Tell ‘em you can get more a the dollar store if they want …
well unless you are completely inept you can diy for about 1/4 of that price including a new radiator, new heater hoses & t's, reservoir tank, coolant and a cheap set of tools if you do not have any.
I wouldn't worry about the thermostat, leave it be unless the waterpump starts to leak in the future and the upper and lower radiator hoses are probably fine as well.
petethepug
Michael
2013 Tahoe estimate. Sure, just a second. “Hey Lisa! I need an estimate”
Ohh Kayyy ….it’s green Ninnneeteeen. Green 19 ok.
Your estimate is $1,900.00 Sir
Ohh Kayyy ….it’s green Ninnneeteeen. Green 19 ok.
Your estimate is $1,900.00 Sir
I do not smell coolant at all
strutaeng
Full Access Member
Well, you need to determine if you have a leak. You either do or you don't. Coolant leaks are usually pretty easy to find. A light and inspection mirror is usually all you need. Crawl underneath and look at everything.
Did the truck overheat into the red zone on the cluster guage? There's a high probability you blew a head gasket if that's the case, but you would probably have a missfire, check engine light, idle rough and steam out your tailpipe.
top it off and keep an eye on it? don't use tap water.
when's the last time you checked it? if it's been like years, maybe it is a super slow leak?
ok, look obviously there is a issue, regardless if you smell something or not.
you have received numerous responses of how to approach it. It's up to you to either fix it yourself, pay to have it fixed.
OR just keep driving it like it is, but I can tell you from experience that if you keep driving it like that and it keeps overheating you may as well kiss that engine goodbye.
that's just how the cookie crumbles.
davidavidd
Member
Hi!
Adjust the coolant level, go for a 15 minute drive, park in a quiet place and usually the leaks can be heard like a steam machine.
It's not a bad idea to change the thermostat, it costs 10 dollars and is a easy job of 1 hour at most.
Adjust the coolant level, go for a 15 minute drive, park in a quiet place and usually the leaks can be heard like a steam machine.
It's not a bad idea to change the thermostat, it costs 10 dollars and is a easy job of 1 hour at most.
Add some UV additive to your coolant tank and see if you can find a leak. If no then just #1 flush coolant, #2 replace thermostat, #3 change coolant temp sensor. And you'll be good to go. Do not drive on an overheated engine.
If you plan on keeping your rig, I highly advise replacing all your hoses, radiator, and water pump with reservoir. Prevent future issues. I did that job a number of years back. Took a couple hours. Definitely not worth $1900.
If you plan on keeping your rig, I highly advise replacing all your hoses, radiator, and water pump with reservoir. Prevent future issues. I did that job a number of years back. Took a couple hours. Definitely not worth $1900.
