Q: How do you know when the thermostat is stuck when the meter is broken?

asked by on October 04, 2016

My radiator is full to the brim but the tank is always low for the most part. It's a class 2 leak of coolant
My car has an automatic transmission.

Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement $166.06 - $992.76 Get a Quote
Radiator Replacement $353.55 - $1403.40 Get a Quote
Water Pump Replacement $187.27 - $1236.57 Get a Quote
Coolant is leaking Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. If the engine is leaking coolant then the reservoir is always the first part to read low. I usually start by checking for any visual leaks on the ground or on the engine. The most common cause of a coolant leak on this engine is the intake manifold gasket, the radiator, or the water pump. If no visual leaks can be found then I would do a pressure test of the engine as the pressure would help to produce the leak. If nothing is found at that time, then a dye test could be done to find the leak. If you want to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the leak and move forward with the proper repairs.

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

Car not shifting gears
Sounds like it may be time for a new transmission. If it is a manual transmission there may be something wrong with the clutch. If it is an automatic transmission, I would have a mechanic from YourMechanic inspect your vehicle...
"Key" warning shows up in a car with the keyless entry
The remote batteries sometimes lose contact and will not disable the antitheft system. The fix is to remove the battery and bend the terminals up about 30 degrees to put more pressure on the battery so it will not lose...
Drive shaft replaced, now van won't go forward
I am not aware of any problems about removing and replacing a driveshaft when the vehicle is warm. I however have seen transaxle damaged from not installing the axle all the way into the transmission and engaging the axle fully...
engine suddenly died and wont turn over
There is a recall (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-if-your-car-has-recalls), 05v270000, for electrical system wiring dated 2005-06-07. This is a Ford recall number that pertains to this exact problem you are having and the cause of the issue may be the fuel injection wire harness...
My car has sat for 3 years in a garage without turning over... what should be done now?
I would definitely take a few precautions if the engine has not been started for that long. - Change the oil & filter - Change the coolant - Drain the fuel system and refill with fresh gas - Remove the...
Idle problems when stopped. Car stops running. 4WD and Check engine lights on and solid. Gas cap tightened to verify
What you are describing sounds like a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. This sensor relays vital...
Car starts but won't drive and all the lights on the dash board are on.
Hi there. The battery is beyond charge and needs replaced. After replacing the battery, you would need to check for a parasitic load on the vehicle to see why the battery lost power. Disconnect the negative battery cable and put...
The check engine light is on and it's say gas cap what price range am I lookin at to have it fixed
If you are referring to the warning light for a loose gas cap loose and/or Diagnostic Trouble Code P0442, a loose or defective gas cap is merely one possible reason for the warning light or the Code. You could have...
We have been told that our crankshaft housing is leaking oil on our 2011 Toyota Sienna. We already replaced the rear main seal.
Firstly, I have never heard of a crankshaft housing. Perhaps they were referring to the engine? The crankshaft is inside the engine and located on the bottom side of it. The pistons are all connected to the crankshaft and the...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Condenser
If your AC is cooling your car significantly less than usual or there are leaks from the AC system, you may need to replace your AC condenser.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Control Switch
As the physical switch controlling AC, common signs include overheating AC parts, certain settings not working, or the AC compressor not turning on.
How to Get GMC Dealership Certified
GMC car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through one of the many programs they have available.