Why Is My Cadillac Overheating?

If your Cadillac is overheating, you run the risk of severe engine damage. At the first sign of a temperature issue, it is in your best interest to diagnose and repair it immediately. Here are some of the more common reasons that you may have an overheating engine. Remember that the fluids are hot and that you should never remove a radiator cap while the engine is hot.

Your Cadillac Is Leaking

Since the cooling system is comprised of pumps, hoses, and other parts that have gaskets, seals, and connections, it is quite possible for any one of those connections to spring a leak. This is especially true if you have never maintained or checked your hoses while doing other routine maintenance. You should conduct a pressure test on the system. A system without a leak will be able to hold pressure for one minute at the very least. (Check out this article on transmission leaks in Cadillacs.)

Coolant Concentration

If you use the wrong coolant or concentration, you run the risk of your engine overheating. Make sure that you are using the correct fluid based on Cadillac’s recommendations, and if you aren't, then you need to do a complete fluid flush and refill with the proper coolant.

Thermostat

This valve is sensitive to heat, and it opens and closes based on the temperature of the engine. When it's open, the heated engine coolant will pass on to the radiator. If it's closed, the flow is interrupted, which allows the engine to warm up when it's cold outside. A thermostat that is stuck open keeps the coolant in the engine, which means it becomes overheated.

Dirt And Debris Blocks

There are a number of places that can become blocked by dirt and debris. This can cause the flow to become restricted, which keeps the engine from becoming cool. Flushing out the system and refilling it with new coolants will unblock it.

Radiator

The coolant travels through fins and tubes as it makes its way through the radiator. If there are any blocks or leaks along the way, the coolant can't flow to the engine, and this means the engine will overheat.

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Hoses

Hoses can wear out, and they can become cracked and develop a leak. Leaking hoses can cause the engine to overheat, so as part of your regular maintenance, you should check all the hoses and clamps for wear.

Fan

Your Cadillac radiator has a fan on it that blows air over the fins to reduce the temperature of the water. If the fan motor is faulty or there is any damage to the fan, it can't do its job, and this will result in an overheated engine. Check your fan for broken parts, and make sure that it is solidly connected to the engine compartment.

Belts

There is a belt that drives your water pump, and that is what keeps the water in flow. If there is any problem with the belt, you may see an overheating of the engine. The belt can become loose with wear or it can become cracked or broken. If it's damaged, it will not have enough speed to keep the water moving. When you check your other belts or fluids, make sure this one is in good shape. Replace it if it's loose.

Water Pump

The water pump sends the coolant throughout the cooling system, so if there is any problem with the pump, the coolant will not flow. The pump can become loose, have eroded vanes, seepage, or other damage that will inhibit its ability to operate.

While all of these things can tell you why your vehicle has overheated, if you maintain your Cadillac and do preventative maintenance on these parts, you may never need to deal with overheating. If you have checked all of these places and still have an overheating issue, you may need to take it to your local Cadillac dealership.