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Question posted by loudecamps on July 11th, 2012

Chevy Cavalier 2002 Z24 Overheats In Slow Moving Traffic

Why does the Chevy Cavalier 2002 Z24 why does the temperature guage go pass the 3/4 mark and into the red zone when I am stuck in traffic? I had the water pump & thermostat replaced 2 years ago, can it be the same things again?

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Answer #1: Posted by roadrunnertim on July 11th, 2012 7:18 PM

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Check your radiator fans to be sure they are working. If your car has two fans, one should run most of the time. The other fan only runs when you turn on the A/C. You may have a blown fuse or a defective fan.

Check the coolant level in the radiator (when it is cool). Do not add coolant to the overflow bottle and assume the radiator is sucking in the coolant. A defective radiator cap or a plugged line to the overflow bottle will prevent the radiator from sucking in the coolant.

Check the coolant strength with a hydrometer (antifreeze tester). It will tell you if your coolant is the correct 50/50 mixture or if it is too weak. You can buy one for ten bucks or less at most auto parts stores. Here's what they look like:

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Owner's Manual - Page 3

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Owner's Manual - Page 9

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Owner's Manual - Page 10

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Owner's Manual - Page 31

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Owner's Manual - Page 172

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Owner's Manual - Page 178

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Owner's Manual - Page 179

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Owner's Manual - Page 218

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