Q: Car overheated and then shut down

asked by on January 27, 2016

My coolant is leaking rapidly. The coolant temperature light and oil light flashed on the dash before the car shut down immediately after.

Coolant is leaking Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. Though there are many places that coolant can leak on this vehicle. The most common cause of a fast leak is a failing water pump or a crack in the radiator. I have also seen a lot of coolant leaks in the thermostat housing, or near the oil cooler housing. I would typically do a pressure test on the system with a pressure tester to find the leak. The main issue is that none of these leaks will cause the engine to shut down unless the engine overheated. If this occurred then you may have a failure in the head gasket which will require some serious engine work. This can be verified with a block test. You may want to enlist the help of a certified mechanic that has the experience to run these tests, and determine what has caused your coolant leak issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the sunroof?
The sunroof that is available as a option in the vehicle is different depending on the model of the truck; In the extended cab model, there is a single switch with a symbol representing the sunroof printed on it located...
Gearshift stuck
Your vehicle is equipped with a shift interlock. This is a safety device that keeps the car from going into gear without you stepping on the brake. If the switch on the brake pedal fails, or the solenoid itself fails,...
When the gas is pressed, the RPM increases, can't accelerate
From what you are describing with the RPMs going high and the vehicle not moving, it sounds like you have a transmission that is not shifting or is slipping. There is a technical bulletin that may stop the flare and...
Where could I find a TSB for my 2005 mustang GT regarding my Throttle body or Throttle Position Sensor?
I went through all the technical bulletins (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-by-parker-hill) and recalls (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-if-your-car-has-recalls) and did not find anything for reprogramming your computer or repairs to the TPS or throttle body. The ones that you are not finding may not be the right...
High Pitched Squeal
From what you described, this problems sounds like it is likely due to a worn serpentine belt. You may need to have your belt replaced to get rid of the high pitched squeal. If you would like help replacing the...
When accelerating, it sounds like a card is stuck in the bicycle spokes.
Hello. Ticking noises (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection) that are related to engine speed are often a sign of valve issues. You will want to start by making sure your oil is full (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-your-engine-oil) and in good condition. If the valves are clean and...
Noise in CV Joint
CV joint failure is very common on front wheel drive cars like yours. The CV joints are a ball-in-groove arrangement that allows the axle to drive the front wheels while the wheels are steering. When they get some age on...
I have a 2006 dodge charger 2.7 that has been overheating and the heater is blowing out cold air, warm air, and sometimes hot air
Hi there: Overheating issues can be very difficult to pinpoint without completing a physical inspection. If your heater is not blowing warm air, it's very possible that you have a clogged heater core coolant line; which can cause engine overheating...
What parts are needed to replace all of the engine mounts?
Hi there. There are 4 engine and transmission mounts that your vehicle uses. The engine needs 2 dog bone design mounts and 2 hydraulic compression mounts. Some 3.3L engines may only have 1 dog bone mount. I recommend taking pictures...

Related articles

Top 10 PZEV Cars for Eco-Friendly Drivers
Teddy Leung / Shutterstock.com The whole idea of a PZEV (that is, a partial zero-emissions vehicle), seems paradoxical. You’d think it’d have to either be zero-emissions or not in the category at all. But as contradictory as...
How Long Does a Throttle Body Temp Sensor Last?
The The throttle body is an important part of your vehicle and should be monitored regularly. The throttle body temp sensor is a sensor that is mounted on the throttle body. It monitors the temperature of the throttle body and...
Understanding the Audi Service Due and Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Audi Service Due light indicates when your car needs service.