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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Base 2dr Coupe

2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 2 Door Coupe, Sub-Compact
25 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy
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January 16, 2013, 8:40 am

Kathryn M
 

Question: My 98 Cavalier is overheating. We flushed the radiator changed the thermostat twice, the water pump

My 98 Cavalier is overheating. We flushed the radiator changed the thermostat twice, the water pump and the resevoir cap and it still overheats. We took the thermostat out and it runs fine, we even still have heat. Can we drive the car indefinitely like this without causing damage? Or any ideas what the problem may be?


January 25, 2013, 3:29 pm

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

Removing the t-stat is just masking the p[problem. Can you drive it like that?, Yes, but it may fail a state emissions test and have reduced fuel economy.

You should have a shop inspect it as it could be quite a few things. It could be a simple as the fan is not coming on or the cooling senor is defective.


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