Q: Van is overheating and not blowing hot air.

asked by on March 15, 2018

My van all of a sudden started overheating. I replaced the thermostat and radiator. I also checked all hoses, water pump, and made sure the fan was kicking on properly. All of those compnents work. The oil isn't milky so the head isn't cracked. Went to flush out the heater core and brown stuff came out that smelled burned. Thought that might have solved it, but still having the same issue. The funny thing is that when it idles, it's fine, but when the rpms go up, so does the temp. As soon as I stop, it takes less than a minute until the temp falls back to normal range.

My car has 133000 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

What does the check brake system warning mean in the message system?
Your car is equipped with a number of different sensors designed to monitor critical systems for malfunctions and problems, including your brakes. If you see a warning message that reads “Check brake system” come on in your message center, it...
How do I change the keyless lock acknowledgement?
Your vehicle has a system for confirming when you have locked or unlocked your vehicle with the keyless remote. When the Lock or UNLock button is pressed once, the car’s exterior head lights will flash to confirm the action. When...
honda civic emitting high pitched noise under engine
It sounds like your accessory drive belt is loose and needs tensioned. If the belt has too much slack it will squeal. Over time, the rubber belt wears out and stretches. If it has cracks or splits the belt will...
Battery + Oil Light on - engine won't start 2006 Kia Rio
Hi there - I would check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is illuminated or not. It would seem that something else is not quite right with your engine (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/my-car-is-not-starting-what-might-be-the-problem-by-aditya-d). If your engine is cranking (i.e. actually spinning...
I replaced my clutch and bleed my hydraulic clutch master cylinder. But when I put the truck in 2H and try to shift, I won't shift.
Hi there. There seems to be an issue with the transfer case on your vehicle. The transfer case may have a bent fork or the shifter synchronizer has broken teeth. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from...
Location for a map sensor for a 2008 Holden Viva
Hi there - the MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-manifold-absolute-pressure-sensor-map-sensor) is located midway, on the top of the straight, "tube-like" portion of the intake manifold. This "tube" sits above the "octopus-like" 4 air tubes into the engine. It is attached...
A wire came off headlight bulb harness
Black wires are usually used to indicate it is a ground wire. Without proper ground, the lights will not work. If the wire pulled out for the headlight connector, it may be easier to just replace the headlight socket. Replacement...
My 2011 Ford Edge Limited stalls when I am stopped at a red light for longer than 20 or so seconds it seems. I have to put my car
Fuel system supply faults are a possible cause of stalling as are vacuum leaks and faults with engine sensors. YourMechanic (https://www.yourmechanic.com) offers a stalling diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-stalling-inspection). If you request that service a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic (https://www.yourmechanic.com) right to...
Plate and dash lights wont turn off
I don't believe the 1996 car was using a lighting module yet, so you're in luck, all you are likely to need is a headlight switch replacement. Later cars used a lighting control module that made things way more complicated....

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a City
Living Living and driving in the city means you’re faced with parking constraints, narrow streets, and the constant stop and go of traffic. With all of that said when you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle these are all things...
Ten Sports Cars That Double as Good Daily Drivers
The best daily driver is a car that's reliable, usable, and still fun to drive. Popular daily sports cars include the BMW M3, Subaru WRX, and VW GTI.
Industry News for Automotive Techs: November 5 - November 11
Tesla buys Grohmann Engineering, Ferrari's future hybrids, next-gen Dodge Charger and Challenger, Nissan e-Power system, and YourMechanic recognition.