Today's new problem with the '96 Chevy Cavalier:

After I came home from running an errand this morning my car seemed to have pissed itself on the driveway. The coolant indicator light is on. The car is now overheating.

Solutions?

5/29/2011 6:00:50 PM

find the leak. fix it. refill with 50/50 coolant and water.

could be as simple as a hose. could be a water pump. could need a radiator. do not run the car until you fix it.

[Edited on May 29, 2011 at 6:44 PM. Reason : adsf]

5/29/2011 6:38:37 PM

^

5/29/2011 10:41:58 PM

Alright I'll check out what I can tomorrow.

It looks like replacing the water pump on the 96 Chevy Cavalier is a real son of a bitch. I'd rather have a pro do it (unless someone on here wants to offer their services).

There's a mechanic shop near my house. If I drive it until the gauge gets to H, pull over and let it cool can I safely make it to the shop. We're talking about 2 miles. I'd rather avoid paying for a tow truck if I can cause I'm broke.

5/30/2011 1:01:35 AM

If its overheating in less than two miles don't bother getting it fixed.

5/30/2011 8:48:36 AM

if it was mine, i would not drive it anywhere until it is fixed

[Edited on May 30, 2011 at 10:19 AM. Reason : zxappeal could probably fix it right where it sits]

5/30/2011 10:18:36 AM

If you do try it, one thing to note: by the time it hits the H on the gauge there's a lag time even after you cut off the car that the temp will keep rising before falling and more than likely your coolant temp sensor is dry and will give you a grossly inaccurate reading to boot. Got a friend with AAA? It covers the person not the vehicle so he can stop at your house, call AAA and get it towed for free, even with the basic coverage. You will end spending less time and money in the long run having one of the guys on here swapping out the pump.

5/30/2011 1:28:53 PM

look for the easy stuff before you bother having it towed to a shop.

also, figure out how fast it's pissing out the coolant...that could make a big difference in terms of whether or not you can drive it to the shop.

5/30/2011 3:40:15 PM

^Perhaps try putting some water in it, and see if you can scope out where it's leaking from.

5/30/2011 7:35:32 PM

I got it to the mechanic

it was 1.8 miles from my house - I drove halfway and stopped for it to cool
I never let the temp sensor get above 75%

5/31/2011 12:54:13 PM