Temp problem with Impala

[Chiefette31]

Need some advice on where to start looking. I miss my husband more at these times. I have a 2006 Chevy Impala. I went to leave today and once I got up to the speed limit my car started getting hot. By the time I got somewhere to turn around (with the slowing down) car started cooling down. Got to a gas station for their lights. Added some antifreeze but couldn't see very well and by the time I get back close to speed limit temp is rising really fast again.

Any ideas. It was constantly blowing cold air out the vents. I've never had anything happen like this before.

[la1]

is there any coolant on the ground? does the low coolant indicator come on? when you added coolant where did you do that I assume the overflow bottle since the car is hot. I would wait till the car is cold and take the radiator cap off and see if you can see coolant, I'll bet you don't and the radiator is low probably so low there is not enough coolant to flow through the heater core. you are filling with the red coolant , right? does the engine overheat ? could be a bad water pump.

[Blue Bowtie]

LA1 offers some valid points and advice.

If the vehicle has not had routine maintenance, the coolant may be beyond its normal service life of five years. In that case, the cooling system should be drained, flushed, the heater core reverse-flushed, and the system refilled with a 50% solution of Dex-Cool. The bypass line air bleed needs to be open to allow entrapped air to escape while filling the cooling system, and the bleeder should be opened periodically during the first warm-up cycle to expel any entrapped air. Once the system is properly filled and bled, and the overflow/recovery reservoir is filled, air should not collect in the cooling system and the problem should not recur.

Following the flush and refill, and for several drive cycles involving a complete cool-down and warmup to full operating temperature, the coolant level should be monitored in the overflow/recovery tank. Keep the coolant reservoir properly filled and the chance of the problem recurring should be minimal. After several cycles, the coolant level should remain stable. If the coolant frequently requires replenishing, further investigation should be performed to locate cause(s) of the coolant loss.

[DeltaP]

Ya didn't say how much coolant was added. But if it was considerably low due to a coolant leak an air or steam pocket developed and caused the engines temp and gauge reading to sky rocket. Also causing no heat due to lack of hot coolant running through the heater core. Have your cars cooling system pressure tested for leaks soon as this might leave ya stranded and cause major engine damage. You can park it hot overnight and slide a sheet of cardboard under the engine to see any wet spots in the AM. Although this isn't conclusive it might confirm a leak and still need further professional diagnosis.

[Tech II]

I agree with the guys.....if you had to add coolant you have a leak....if you have a leak, you create an air pocket, which will cause overheating and no heat from the heater core,,,,,if a 3.5L, my guess would be the crossover pipe gaskets between the heads....