Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Overheating engine

Sep 3, 2017 1:03PM PDT

My 2012 Dodge Journey overheated yesterday just as I was getting close to home. I had topped off the coolant earlier in the day as I knew I had a minor leak and the temperature gauge was getting high. The car was driving fine for 30 minutes after that and then got hot pretty quickly.

This morning I opened my radiator cap and did a cold start. I let the car heat up. I didn't see any bubbling in the radiator. There is no milky substance on the oil cap or dipstick and no white smoke coming out of the exhaust.

What is happening is that the engine light is on and the car isn't blowing hot air even with the heat on.

Coolant levels look ok.

Just wondering if my problem might be the leak getting worse than I thought, a faulty radiator cap or is it something else?

Thank you

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
My thoughts are
Sep 3, 2017 1:20PM PDT
- Collapse -
Answer
Possible reasons for engine over heating
Sep 13, 2017 4:47AM PDT

The engine heating up is a problem caused by several factors. Early detection could save the engine otherwise it will cause major damage to the engine.
Some of the reasons causing the engine heat up is as follow
1. Bad Thermostat
2. Cooling system leaks
3. Leaky Head Gasket
4. Fan Not Working
5. Leaky Water pump
6. Slipping Belt
7. Lower Radiator Hose Collapsing
8. Plugged or Dirty Radiator
9. Excessive exhaust backpressure
10. Overheated incoming air
11. Dragging brakes
12. Overworking the engine

You should check all defects for ensuring the performance of the engine.