Q: Overheating after thermostat replacement

asked by on February 18, 2016

My car is overheating. I replaced the thermostat and it still overheats. I also checked the water pump and it seems to be working.

Car is overheating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. You could be having a problem with your radiator being clogged up. This will cause the flow of the coolant in the system to be restricted, causing the truck to overheat. A clog in the heater core could also cause this problem. However, if the car is still getting heat, the heater core can easily be ruled out. The most likely cause is a clogged radiator. I would recommend that you have a certified technician complete a system check in order to pinpoint your overheating problem.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

vehicle using oil after complete engine overhaul
Engines that have been completely overhauled and rebuilt will burn some oil for the first couple of thousand miles. It is in these first couple of thousand miles that the engine does a lot of breaking in. After an engine...
Leaking pink water fluid towards the front left side of the car.
It sounds like you may have damaged the radiator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/radiator-replacement). Some coolant is colored green and some is colored reddish-orange, depending on the coolant used. A certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, will be able to conduct a few tests...
Can you drive with only 2 lug nuts instead of 3?
Hi thanks for your question. My advice is that this is very dangerous and the car should not be driven with only 2 lug nuts. If any of the remaining two were to also snap, this would cause catastrophic damage...
My starter does not engage when it is really cold outside in my 1998 Ford Expedition
If your starter is just clicking when it is cold outside then you either have a defective starter, or you have an issue with the battery. If the battery voltage is low enough then the vehicle will do this. I...
When I begin to come to a stop and down shift my gears my RPM'S drop almost all the way down to zero & my car almost quits/stalls
Hello. This issue can e caused by a few different things. It can be caused by worn out spark plugs due to not having a tune up or it can be a number of other things. From my experience though...
My dashboard lights,gauges,radio and power windows don't work. I can start my truck right up and drive.
Hello, thank you for writing in. Typically with the first symptoms you described I would direct you to check all of your fuses, focusing on the instrument cluster fuse. However considering the engine is showing signs of stress, you may...
Brake sensor is to sensitive causing brakes to flicker while driving. 2005 Mercury Montego
Hi there - your brake light switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-parking-brake-warning-switch) needs a minor adjustment. It is adjusted too "tight" or close to the brake pedal lever, or possibly has failed. Adjusting/replacing it will eliminate this flickering problem. I recommend a brake light...
Interior lights work but car won't start and power locks won't work 97 Honda passport
You possibly have a dead battery. Batteries that are "partly" dead can often still run lights, dash lights and so forth but will not have enough power to run the starter motor and start the car. The very first thing...

Related articles

Symptoms of Bad or Failing Intake Manifold Gaskets
Common signs include the engine constantly overheating, coolant leaking, engine misfires, and a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel economy.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Water Pump Belt
Common signs include cracks or frayed nylon cords in the belt, squealing noises, and a burning rubber smell from the engine.
How to Troubleshoot Car Overheating Causes
Car overheating can be caused by low coolant, a faulty radiator fans, a broken serpentine belt, or a stuck thermostat. Stop driving an overheated car.