J
jodrod
UPDATE EMAIL ADDRESS
Sometimes it does not pay to be first.
On the way down to see my mom, about an hour ago, I was at a stop light and the engine started sounding funny. At that moment I also noticed the smell of steam and looked down at the instrument cluster. The temp guage was at max and the temp light and check engine ligth were lit. There was a gas station 1 block up the street so I limped up to it. Pulled in and loosened the overflow cap to release the pressure. While waiting, I pulled out the owners manual and went through the section on cooling (not much info). After finishing the manual the pressure had released and I checked the level. It looked down a little so I topped it off, took about 16 oz. or so, not enough to cause overheating. I started the engine and let it idle for about 5 minutes and noticed the guage climb about one needle width up, so I shut it back down and again checked the level, it was OK. Restarted the engine and let it idle again for about 5 minutes, this time the guage was dead center. I was only about 3 miles from home, so I decided to take the chance to head back. Kept an eye on the guage all the way and it did not budge from center, however the check engine light remained illuminated and probably will until reset by the dealer.
I'll take it in tomorrow morning, fortunately I have this week off. I'll keep you all posted as to the outcome.
My guess is it is the water pump and I am wondering if the funky heater was some sort of prior indication.
On the way down to see my mom, about an hour ago, I was at a stop light and the engine started sounding funny. At that moment I also noticed the smell of steam and looked down at the instrument cluster. The temp guage was at max and the temp light and check engine ligth were lit. There was a gas station 1 block up the street so I limped up to it. Pulled in and loosened the overflow cap to release the pressure. While waiting, I pulled out the owners manual and went through the section on cooling (not much info). After finishing the manual the pressure had released and I checked the level. It looked down a little so I topped it off, took about 16 oz. or so, not enough to cause overheating. I started the engine and let it idle for about 5 minutes and noticed the guage climb about one needle width up, so I shut it back down and again checked the level, it was OK. Restarted the engine and let it idle again for about 5 minutes, this time the guage was dead center. I was only about 3 miles from home, so I decided to take the chance to head back. Kept an eye on the guage all the way and it did not budge from center, however the check engine light remained illuminated and probably will until reset by the dealer.
I'll take it in tomorrow morning, fortunately I have this week off. I'll keep you all posted as to the outcome.
My guess is it is the water pump and I am wondering if the funky heater was some sort of prior indication.