2001 Malibu overheating problem

[stratford_boy]

The fans do not come on when you are moving down the road. The reason being that they would only restrict the airflow through the rad. If you were going 60, and they could only pull 40, they will restrict. So the fans are definately NOT your issue!!! Airflow might be your issue, but probably not because of an air dam missing. Many mechanics remove the one piece to get at the oil filter and never put it back on and I have never seen an issue.

[chevelle_6969]

Originally Posted by billyboy782

A few weeks ago my '01 Malibu started overheating, and my wife drove it hot to get off the highway.

I have had the head gaskets replaced, heads checked, Coolant sensor replaced, thermostat replaced twice, radiator pulled, checked and flushed, new hoses and the water pump replaced, and $900 later it still overheats.

After I changed coolant sensor, the car ran perfect for about 300 miles, and then when right back to overheating. It will not overheat if I leave it at idle in the driveway, but as soon as I get it onto the road, the water will boil, and temp gauge goes to red.
I am using the correct coolant fluid and water ratio as far as I can tell.

I have read other threads on this site and have seen similar issues

Any ideas or has GM had any resolution?

We were having the same problem and had to change the heater core! Don't know if that will solve the problem but it don't hurt to try!

[Berty72]

i am not sure on the coolant system design but if yours has a small return tube to the cooland bottle you may want to pull that tube off the bottle feed it into a jug or something, then start the car. see if you have any flow. If not take an airhose and flush the line with prussure to to backflush it.

I have had this be the cause of many cooling problems after and before major engine problems occored. It will also give you a good indication on how your water pump is pushing.

[needforspeed32135]

i work for daytona dodge and there is a guy that work there that work for chevy for 16 years and he said that the temp will go up 3 line from half way and said that is normal for the 01 malibu. but my fans kick on as soon as it hits the 3rd line above half.

bryan stodola

[pamdooley]

I have had the same problem with my 2000 Malibu. I also replaced water pump, thermostat, radiator, resourvoir and cap, surpentine belt, head gasket, intake gasket and 2 different sensors. I also had the heads checked and seated. I finally thought I had fixed the problem when it didn't run hot for 200 miles when it started knocking. Now I am having to replace the motor. what I would like to know is Can I replace the 2000, 3100 6 cylinder with a 2004 3100 6 cylinder?

[bcopeland]

Sounds like maybe the heads need to be replaced rather than just checked. And make sure you replace the intake manifold gaskets with the troubleshooter fix. Also, I would definitely replace the rad rather than flush it.

As for thwe 3.4 rather than the 3.1 I heard it was a much better engine.

[GaryRoe]

Originally Posted by billyboy782

A few weeks ago my '01 Malibu started overheating, and my wife drove it hot to get off the highway.

I have had the head gaskets replaced, heads checked, Coolant sensor replaced, thermostat replaced twice, radiator pulled, checked and flushed, new hoses and the water pump replaced, and $900 later it still overheats.

After I changed coolant sensor, the car ran perfect for about 300 miles, and then when right back to overheating. It will not overheat if I leave it at idle in the driveway, but as soon as I get it onto the road, the water will boil, and temp gauge goes to red.
I am using the correct coolant fluid and water ratio as far as I can tell.

I have read other threads on this site and have seen similar issues

Any ideas or has GM had any resolution?

I am having the same problem on my 77. Runs great in the driveway for 3 hours, go 4 blocks and it red-ines the temp gauge. No leaks. Bled about 100 times now...no fluid in oil...frustrated. Anyone figure this out yet???

[johnholl]

'77 Malibu? Did you mean '97?

First you have to establish weather or not the engine is overheating, or if it is a fualty temp guage. When the engine is warm, do you get good heat from the heat ducts. If not, you have trapped air in the cooling system. There should be a bleed screw on the left hand side top on one of the radiator return lines. do you have a 50\50 mix of ethalene glycol to water?

If it is over heating, try running the engine in park while raising the rpm's to 2500. Does the engine overheat while in park,stationary, at 2500rpm?

If not, you either have some sticking brakes or a fualty transmission causing excessive rolling resistance. Jack the car up and make sure the wheels turn freely.

john