Engine Overheating

2006 Chevrolet SSR AutomaticSECTION Engine Overheating
Engine Overheating

Step Action Values Yes No
1 Inspect for a loss of system pressure.
Is there a loss of system pressure?
- Go to Step 2  Go to Step 3 
2 Inspect and repair any faulty hose connections or radiator cap.
Does the engine still overheat beyond the specified value?
-37°F (-34°F) Go to Step 3  System OK
3 Inspect the coolant temperature for low temperature below the specified value.
Is low temperature protection present?
-37°F (-34°F) Go to Step 5  Go to Step 4 
4 Replace the coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System (Static Fill)  or Draining and Filling Cooling System (Vac-N-Fill) .
Does the engine still overheat?
- Go to Step 5  System OK
5 Inspect the drive belt for excessive wear or low tension.
Is the drive belt worn or is the tension too low?
- Go to Step 6  Go to Step 7 
6 Replace the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory in Engine Mechanical - 6.0L.
Does the engine still overheat?
- Go to Step 7  System OK
7 Inspect the radiator fins for obstruction.
Are the radiator fins obstructed?
- Go to Step 8  Go to Step 9 
8 Inspect and clean the radiator. Refer to Radiator Cleaning .
Does the engine still overheat?
- Go to Step 9  System OK
9 Inspect the water pump for physical damage.
Is the water pump damaged or inoperative?
- Go to Step 10  Go to Step 11 
10 Replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .
Does the engine still overheat?
- Go to Step 11  System OK
11 Inspect the cooling system passages for obstruction.
Is the cooling system passage blocked?
- Go to Step 12  Go to Step 13 
12 Inspect and flush the system. Refer to Flushing .
Does the engine still overheat?
- Go to Step 13  System OK
13 Inspect the electro-viscous fan.
Is the electro-viscous fan inoperative?
- Go to Step 14  Go to Step 15 
14 Replace the electro-viscous fan.
Does the engine still overheat?
- Go to Step 15  System OK
15 Inspect for a stuck thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .
Is the thermostat stuck in the closed position?
- Go to Step 16  Go to Step 17 
16 Replace the thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Housing Replacement .
Does the engine still overheat?
- Go to Step 17  System OK
17 The following factors may cause the engine to overheat:
  • A heavy vehicle payload
  • The A/C system
  • Excess engine oil
  • Restricted air flow through the radiator
  • Extreme air temperature

Correct or repair as necessary.
Does the engine still overheat?
- - System OK
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.