Q: Overheating when driving

asked by on January 09, 2017

My car can idel with the heat on for a hr or more without overheating but soon as I drive it starts to overheat. I just had the water pump and thermostat changed but I think the thermostat was put in wrong and it's not working cause now the heat isn't getting hot and it's sill overheating. Why?

My car has 200000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is overheating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Thermostats can only be installed in one orientation. Unless the thermostat that was installed is the wrong one, or was defective out of the box, the thermostat is probably not the cause of the issue. Inasmuch as the overheating is only occurring when the engine is under load, it could be caused by a leaking head gasket, plugged radiator, dragging brakes, engine tuning problem, underinflated tires or any of a myriad of other causes of overheating. Your best bet is to request an overheating diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will identify the root cause of the problem.

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 check the battery?
Your car’s battery is designed to be maintenance free, but there are times that you’ll need to at least check its condition. Honda actually recommends that you check the battery’s condition every month. What does that entail, though? Here’s what...
Ratcheting sound in front left wheel area.
The noise is from within the transmission. This vehicle has had many noted complaints for various problems with these transmissions. I would recommend having a dealer check the transmission out since you are under warranty. However, if you'd like a...
Starter turns over whenever I shift over Park or Neutral, intermittent problem.
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. There is only one power source that can engage the starter relay and that would be the ignition switch. The ignition switch should not be able to stay...
Oil gauge fluttering.
Hello. When this occurs I usually install a manual oil pressure gauge to see if the gauge in the truck is correct. If the engine is new with a new pump then I doubt it is a pump issue. Most...
When I press the gas pedal the engine revs but the car doesn't accelerate. Is this a throttle or transmission issue?
Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. This sounds like a transmission issue. Your transmission torque converter could have failed causing the vehicle to not move or move slowly. To check the torque converter, put the car in a safe...
Changed the power steering pump and tensioner but I still have a clicking noise when the car is running.
Hi there. Before changing anything else, remove the serpentine belt and start the engine to see if the noise goes away. If it does, then it definitely is coming from somewhere on the drive belt path. Investigate the pulleys and...
engine power reduced
Hello, thank you for writing in. The diagnostic code was related to the transmission shift circuit. The computer has detected an issue, and that likely the reason for reduced power. If the transmission shifts too early, your vehicle will bog...
Pink anti-freeze added to orange Dex/Cool creating brown jelly balls in radiator. 1996 Buick
Hello - the initial problem is that Dex-Cool (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/coolant-by-owen_2), your original coolant type, does not hold up well over extended periods, and must be changed every 2 years minimum to avoid the "jello syndrome" you are experiencing. Dex-Cool was first...
My car will start but won't move
Hello, and thank you for writing in. Your symptoms are pointing to an unresponsive transmission. When the transmission fails to respond, the first thing to do is check the level of the transmission fluid. If it is low, then there...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Coolant Tube
Common signs include low coolant levels, visible coolant leaks, and engine overheating.
Signs Your AC Needs to Be Recharged
If you feel the AC is not cooling as much as usual, cannot hear the AC clutch engaging, and see refrigerant leaks, you may have to recharge your AC.
How Long Does a Cooling Fan Resistor Last?
The The purpose of the cooling fan resistor is to remove heat from the engine’s coolant and from the A/C refrigerant. The resistor does this by drawing air through the radiator and air conditioning condenser. A belt drive fan is...