Q: Car overheated, now it won't start

asked by on October 05, 2016

Buddy's car overheated so we pulled off road and shut the car off to let it cool. Checked all fluids. Radiator cap wasn't on right, but there was still coolant in it. Added coolant to top it off after the motor was cool to touch. No coolant in oil. Tried to start the car it would turn over but wouldn't start. Pulled spark plugs no water in cylinders. Pulled fuel line after fuel filter turned key and fuel came out. No check engine lights. Obd-II showed no code (just in case engine light was out)

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

Sluggish shifting
Oil leaks, unfortunately, will only get worse over time. So identifying the type and source of the leak will be vital to the overall health of the vehicle. Some possibilities on the engine would be the valve cover area, the...
when a/c is on car drives really slow
Hi there, and thanks for writing in. It's hard to give a specific answer without having any information regarding your exact make and model, but this problem in general sounds like something that should be diagnosed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-slow-to-accelerate-inspection) by a qualified...
When starting, car shakes and rattles and then quits
Sounds like you aren't getting enough fuel during "cold" start. First thing, check the cold start injector, and thermo time sensor, which regulates how long the cold start injector squirts. Next, check the Over-Voltage Protection relay and circuit. If this...
The fuel pump and dashboard lights indicator shut off after the 4 wires in the neutral safety switch shorted out
It sounds like you may some blown fuses from that shorted switch. Inspect the fuses and replace as necessary. An electrical wiring diagram and a digital volt/ohm meter will be needed for further diagnosis if replacing the fuses does not...
Engine cuts out/off at idle, and cuts out sometimes at steady state (60-70 mph).
Hi there. Check the fuel system for any air in the fuel rail. residual air in the fuel system will cause the engine to randomly cut off. If the fuel pressure is good and there is no air in the...
Doors lock and Unlock when vehicle is off and parked!
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having an issue with its body control module. Due to the locks doing this on their own, and the issue with the key-less entry (which works on its own circuitry),...
Can you figure out why it's overheating?
Be sure not to drive the car if it is overheating because overheating can warp the cylinder head and/or engine block causing costly damage. The most common causes of overheating include low coolant level, a faulty thermostat, a plugged radiator,...
I have a 2015 chrysler 200. There is a message that states Key Fob not detected. I have changed out the batteries in the key fob.
Hi There, This is a known problem in many Chrysler vehicles and is usually related to having the wireless fobs re-flashed or in some cases, a new ECM is installed. I would suggest having the car towed to your nearest...
my headlights along with the radio keeps shutting of and on repeatedly along with a few dashboard lights
You will need to have the charging system checked to see if the system is working properly. You may have electrical connection issues or component problems with the body control module and will need a mechanic like one from YourMechanic...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Ram
While While Chrysler has decided to give Ram its very own division, it seems impossible not to think of the Ram 1500 as a Dodge. After all, you’ll still buy your 2012 Ram at a Dodge dealer, and it remains...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Condenser Fan
Common signs include lukewarm air coming from the AC vent, the car overheating while idle, and a burning smell in the car.
How Long Does a Water Pump Last?
The engine in your car produces a lot of heat, which means that the cooling system in your car will need...