overheating problem??

[rcscott]

Car started overheating on the way to work on the highway, i noticed a few drips of coolant under the car. And also at the same time the battery light in the dash came on. It seems that the electric fans quit working but from what i know this shouldn't make it overheat while driving on interstate. Any chance it could be the thermostat or more likely the waterpump. and how should i check these? I would also like to know if the battery light is related somehow. i have a 4 cly auto, it looks pretty tight, and hard to change water pump, how bad was it? i have changed one before but there was more room than in the 626 any suggestions or ideas would be helpful thanks - ryan

[jaabickford]

dosen't sound like your thermostat because they will fail in the open position and will still let coolant flow through. I think that when a water pump fails it spills all of your coolant on the ground not just a few drops..i don't think that they get bad over time, they just stop working. Check your coolant hoses for cracks. To check your fan(s) warm the car up in park, your fan should come on. I don't know if the battery light is related but check your battery volts and and your alternator belt. my battery light came on because the belt was loose and not charging the battery enough. hope this helps