2013 GMC Acadia Overheating

[jharris538]

My 2013 GMC Acadia started overheating. Took it to shop twice. Said they pressure tested it. Replaced radiator cap and ran combustion test to check for gas’s in oil. But still overheating. Super pissed.

 

[PCustoms]

Is there a question?

 

[jharris538]

I’m frustrated because they tell me they can’t find a reason it’s overheating after running those tests and that this will be the 3rd time taking it back.

 

[Buckaroo5]

Seems to me like they are approaching the problem in a responsible way. They are trying to diagnose the problem which is the right thing to do. They could have just started replacing parts which would have cost you a lot of money and been more profitable for them. Replacing the radiator cap was an easy/cheap first step. From here, a non contact thermometer can be used on the radiator to check for cool spots indicating blockages. Also, verify your radiator fan is coming on when the engine heats up....they may have already done this. Finally, If you have not replaced thermostat in the last 3 years, do that.

 

[ratflinger]

Either there is a blockage or perhaps your engine is running way too lean. Is it setting a code or is the CEL on.

 

[jharris538]

Radiator fans do come on when it starts overheating. I’ll suggest replacing the thermostat this visit.

 

[jharris538]

What is the CEL?

 

[neonlazer]

What is the CEL?

Check engine light on the dash. Any codes would be useful if there are any.

 

[PopcornSutton]

Back in my younger days when I messed with big block cars, overheating seemed to be common. Big cast iron engines. Since motors now are all aluminum, overheating just doesn't seem to happen much.

I would take the stat out completely and refill it, and see if you can see actual circulation with the rad cap off.

 

[jharris538]

Thanks

 

[Buckaroo5]

Back in my younger days when I messed with big block cars, overheating seemed to be common. Big cast iron engines. Since motors now are all aluminum, overheating just doesn't seem to happen much.

I would take the stat out completely and refill it, and see if you can see actual circulation with the rad cap off.

I don't understand removing the thermostat...bad advice - replace it!. The next thing we will hear from the OP is that his heater is not working.

 

[fitter30]

Rock auto has a radiator for $100- $120. Hows the condenser coil in front of the radiator?

 

[yellowbox]

You need a new shop ....

 

[PopcornSutton]

I don't understand removing the thermostat...bad advice - replace it!. The next thing we will hear from the OP is that his heater is not working.

Read my post, I said to remove it and look for circulation. How else would you check for coolant actually moving? Blockage, possible water pump issue? I never said to leave it out.

 

[Kaizen]

You need a new shop ....

ayuh. Thermostat is cheap no idea why that was not done when they did the radiator cap

 

[BillK]

My 2013 GMC Acadia started overheating. Took it to shop twice. Said they pressure tested it. Replaced radiator cap and ran combustion test to check for gas’s in oil. But still overheating. Super pissed.

Where are you located ? What are the outside temperatures ? You say it is overheating, what temperature does it get up to ?

Is it running hot when you take it to the shop ? It is very hard to troubleshoot a problem if it is not happening when they have the car.

Is the Check Engine Light coming on ?