Q: My vehicle goes over operating temperature when it comes to a stop

asked by on June 26, 2016

My car overheated last week and no I didn't let it go to red on the temp gauge. I took to a mechanic and he replaced the thermostat. Then a few days later the same thing happened. There was too much pressure and the water would rise up from the reservoir. So I took to a radiator specialist and he just told me it was the cap. Everything seemed okay but now when I cruise it's fine but when I'm on traffic it goes over the middle of the temp gauge and I hear the fans come on. This very abnormal for my vehicle because it would Always stay on the center. Last night it happened when I let it idle on my driveway. Sometimes I do hear a funny noise like with a pulley but the mechanic said there was nothing wrong

My car has 180000 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 you reset the Maintenance Minder™ system with the multi-information display?
Your Maintenance Minder™ system should be reset after every service. This is critical, as the system makes service recommendations based on mileage. If the system isn’t reset correctly, the recommendations will be out of sync with what the car actually...
How do I turn on the third row cargo light?
The third row cargo light is located above the trunk area of your car, and provides light to the third row of seating, and the trunk. To turn this light on, press the Light On switch next to the light....
Transmission not engaging
Hello. If the shifter is moving fine and the truck responds to the shifter position but does not move when the transmission has more than likely failed. If there is no response at all, then it may be the shift...
The battery keeps getting drained and dying out
Hello. It is possible that the your 2003 Lexus SC430's computer is draining the battery during the time that it is not being driven. It is never a good idea to let a car sit for extended periods of time...
Do I need to buy an Entire Valve Cover, or Just Replace the Gasket? There is some caked up oil around the Valve Cover.
Typically, valve covers are re-usable as long as the covers are not bent, dented, distorted, cracked, or otherwise leaky. The best practice is to thoroughly clean the cover so that you can carefully inspect it. BEFORE removing the cover, try...
Automatic transmission issues 2001 BMW X5
Hello - I would first check the wiring connector at the transmission for good contact and secure connection, and fuses for the transmission controller. It is possible that an internal speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-speed-sensor-replacement) in the transmission has failed. I would...
Car makes one click and won't start
Generally, this type of clicking sound will be heard when the starter solenoid is bad or the battery is simply just too weak to turn the motor over to start. Since you just replaced the starter, it is likely that...
How do you know if ta the blower or resistor
This may be related to a faulty blower motor or blower motor relay. Occasionally, the blower motor itself will wear out or become faulty working intermittently as the brush contacts inside the motor wear out. The blower motor relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/blower-motor-relay-replacement)...
Small engine fire, Put out w antifreeze.
I would recommend letting the vehicle cool completely and then wash off oil with soapy water and a soft brush and rinse real good with low pressure water. Let vehicle dry and then you should be able to start and...

Related articles

How to Prevent and Handle an Overheated Engine
An overheated engine can seize the motor completely. Learn how to prevent your engine from getting too hot and causing damage.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor)
Common signs include poor fuel economy, black smoke coming from the engine, engine overheating, and the Check Engine Light turning on.
How to Install a Car Volt Amp Gauge
When When you think about the number of sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-sensors-do-all-cars-have-and-what-optional-ones-are-there) that your engine has, it seems like there is an endless amount of gauges that can be installed to monitor their readings. Some of these readings are important, but many...