Technical Overheating problem - Punto 1.2 ELX

[mphutchy]

I'm a novice when it comes to cars, but i am sure the problem I have is simple. I have searched the Forum and have a general idea of what to check, but I am still a little unsure.

My Fiat is overheating both stationary and when driving at speed. I do not think the fan is coming on to cool the radiator, so I'm guesing I need to check this and I have read that I should check the switch itself (rather than repalce the whole fan). I managed to get home yesterday by stoping when the engine temp guage warning light came on and waiting for the car to cool down, before heading off again.

If the fan is not working then i still do not understand why the car is overheating at speed. Surely the fan would not operate then anyway??

The coolant level looks a little low it is just below the min level- will this have a major impact?

The heaters in the car are not working either, can anyone tell me if this is part of the same problem?

Any help would be appreciated. Many thanks

 

[Adriane]

My immediate guess is that the thermostat is not opening which would also expalin why no cooling water is passing through the heater. this is a common problem and fairly inexpensive to replace.

Also if the thermostat does not open then no water will pass the radiator . This would expalin why the fan switch would not operate as it would not be activated by the temperature of the water.



regards

 

[Nizanh]

...what he said!

Very common, ask for the water pump to be checked as well. Mine went at 76k miles. I have a 5 litre bottle of water and a 5 litre bottle of pre-mixed anti-freeze/water in the boot at ALL times. My rad behaviour is so erratic it beggars belief!!

 

[kinedders]

hi guru here
is it loosing coolant if so it will be the head gasket and as the head is off the best thing to do is to get the head skimmed and than check the water pump

 

[mpd2000uk]

I'd go with you guru, head gasket for me. Had the same problem with mine before i went HGT. Take the oil cap off, if the oil is watery round the cap it will be the head gasket.