Overheating

A climbing temp gauge is a stop-now problem. Low coolant, a stuck-closed thermostat, a dead fan, or a leaking radiator are the usual list. A head gasket is the expensive end — not the first box.

Do not throw a water pump or a head gasket from a hot gauge. Find the level, the fan, and whether it overheats at idle or on the highway.

DIY

Look, then stop

You can check a cold level and whether the fans run. A hot cap will scald you.

If it is hot, stop. Cabin heat on high can buy a mile to a shoulder. Do not open a hot cap.
When cold, the overflow should sit between the marks. Empty and hot is a leak or a head.

Tools: Eyes on a cold tank

In the aisle

What they will ask

The parts person does not start with a SKU. They start with the engine and whether it is 2WD or 4WD. Answer from the bay ticket when we have it.

Which engine?
They will ask — not on the hook yet
Radiators, stats, and fans are engine-family parts.

Parts aisle

Boxes on the hook

Search for year / make / model not on the hook. Not stock. Not TecDoc.

Cooling · bin COOL-1

Thermostat

Stuck closed overheats. Stuck open is P0128.

Query: thermostat

Cooling · bin COOL-4

Radiator

If it is wet or the tanks are swollen. Pressure-test first.

Query: radiator

Hold

Cooling · bin HOLD

Water pump

HOLD until a weep or a timing-job access makes it the part.

Query: water pump

Related: P0128