Q: My car has started heating up, reached "cooling mode on" with temperatures of 250+, and it sounds like the fan stays on when I turn off car.

asked by on November 10, 2016

Earlier today my 2007 Chevy Cobalt LS 2.2L started heating up, reaching temps of 250+ Fahrenheit. The COOLING MODE ON message came up, and then shortly after the thermostat light came on as well. I think it might need coolant, so I'll try checking the reservoir when the car cools off, as I don't want to twist open the reservoir cap and risk splashing pressurized hot liquid on me right now. I also have noticed that a fan sounds like it's on when I turn off the car. It sounds like the car is still on, even when I have parked and turned the car off. I noticed it a couple weeks ago, and back then it would stay on for about 10 seconds and then turn off, but earlier tonight it just stayed on and stayed on, so I turned the key as if starting the car and it finally turned off. Any help I can receive would be most appreciated.

My car has 150500 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

How do I get the passenger airbag sensor to recognize the passenger?
The passenger airbag sensor determines when there is a person in the passenger seat. When the sensor determines that there is a person I the passenger seat, the passenger airbag will be turned on. However, sometimes the passenger airbag sensor...
How do I change the trip meter item to display?
The multi-information display will show you the average fuel economy, as well as another trip meter item. To choose which item you would like displayed alongside average fuel economy, follow these steps: 1. Turn the ignition to On, while making...
Hissing noise from the transmission?
Hello there. A few different faults could cause the vehicle to have a noise from the shifter area. The most common would be the flywheel, transmission input shaft bearing, low fluid level or the torque converter. A qualified technician, such...
When I push on the gas it backfires and shakes engine. Just started out of nowhere.
Misfiring (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-can-problems-with-the-ignition-system-cause-misfiring_2) on one or more cylinders can cause a rough running or backfiring condition. Misfires can be caused by lack of spark or lack of fuel to any cylinder. Lack of spark can be due to a bad spark...
My tachometer isnt working correctly
The two most likely causes of this issue would be the sensor that controls the tachometer or the gauge cluster itself. I would recommend having the sensor inspected and tested first to determine if it is performing correctly. If the...
Why would my passenger side drum brake engage when I'm not touching the brake pedal and then release?
Do any warning lights come on when this happens? If you are having an issue with the ABS system (which is kind of unlikely), or an issue with the brake sensors the vehicle will likely set codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) which can...
Battery voltage is low.
Hello. If the battery voltage reads low on the gauge then that is a sign that the charging system is not functioning correctly. If the alternator is brand new then there is little chance that it is the source of...
How long can a car run like when driving back and forth from work when battery saver mode is on? I plan to have it checked after w
The primary function of the battery is to start the vehicle. Once it is running, the alternator provides the electrical needs of the engine, lights,radio,heater,etc. If the alternator is faulty and not producing power, these systems will draw power from...
Whining noise when I hit a certain RPM? Jerks while driving?
The problem sounds like the transmission is not shifting. This can be caused by several possible causes. You will need to have the computer tested for stored codes to see if it points to the transmission or other possible problems....

Related articles

4 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Moon Roof
The The moon roof on a vehicle is a tinted glass panel that sits on top of the vehicle. It is like a window on top of your car that allows you to open and shut it as you please....
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Just Retired
Here’s Here’s a cruel, hard fact – car manufacturers no longer target seniors. Instead, they devote their time and energy to appealing to the 18-45 demographic. Still, some features make certain cars more suitable for older drivers. We have evaluated...
How to Replace a Fog Light Switch on Most Cars
A fog light switch goes bad when the lights do not come or are dim or flickering. A blown fuse may also cause the fog light switch to fail.