Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2006COBALT SS, 4D SEDAN, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 860 (ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM)DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURESENGINE OVERHEATING
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, 4D Sedan, Standard
Engine Overheating
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, 4D Sedan, StandardSECTION Engine Overheating
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Pontiac G5 and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEFINITION: The engine temperature lamp comes ON and stays ON, or the temperature gauge shows hot, or coolant overflows from the surge tank onto the ground while the engine is running. | ||||
| 1 | Check for a loss of coolant. Refer to Loss of Coolant . Is there a loss of coolant? |
- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 3 |
| 2 | Fill the system to the specified level. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill LE5, L61) or Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill LNF) or Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716 Fill) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Check for kinked or pinched surge tank hoses, especially at the radiator. Are any surge tank hoses kinked or pinched? |
- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 |
| 4 |
|
- | Go to Step 5 | System OK |
| 5 | Check for loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors. Are there any loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors? |
- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 |
| 6 | Repair or replace any loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors. Refer to Radiator Air Side Baffle and Deflector Replacement or Radiator Air Upper Baffle and Deflector Replacement . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 7 | System OK |
| 7 | Check the coolant concentration. Does the coolant concentration test correctly? |
- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Replace the coolant if necessary. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill LE5, L61) or Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill LNF) or Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716 Fill) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 9 | System OK |
| 9 |
NOTE:
Use the correct pressure cap. Check the system for loss of pressure.Is there a loss of pressure? |
- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11 |
| 10 | Repair any leaks as necessary. Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 11 | System OK |
| 11 | Check for a faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Is the engine coolant temperature sensor faulty? |
- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13 |
| 12 | Replace the ECT. Refer to one of the following:
Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 13 | System OK |
| 13 | Check the radiator for any airflow obstructions or bent fins. Is there any airflow obstruction or bent fins? |
- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 15 |
| 14 |
|
- | Go to Step 15 | System OK |
| 15 | Check for any blocked cooling system passages. Are there any blocked cooling system passages? |
- | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 17 |
| 16 |
|
- | Go to Step 17 | System OK |
| 17 | Check for an inoperative cooling fan. Is the cooling fan inoperative? |
- | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 19 |
| 18 | Replace the cooling fan. Refer to Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 19 | System OK |
| 19 | Check for a thermostat that is stuck closed. Is the thermostat stuck closed? |
- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 21 |
| 20 | Replace the thermostat. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (LNF) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | Go to Step 21 | System OK |
| 21 | Check for a faulty water pump. The impeller blades may be eroded or broken. Is the water pump faulty? |
- | Go to Step 22 | - |
| 22 | Replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement (LNF) . Does the engine still overheat? |
- | - | System OK |
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.