2001 Chevy Cavalier 2.2L Engine Over Heats

Reader Question I have a 2001 Chevy Cavalier 2.2, it has been overheating. so I put H20 in it. my low H20 light keeps coming on,but there’s H20 in the overfill tank.

Last night it came on so I filled it with H20 but by the time I drove home (30-40 minutes) the light came on again this time the plastic tank had H20 and wasn’t overheating.

Its not leaking, my oil is not milky and H20 is not coming out my tail pipe. Is it a possibility that the floater is stuck? should I have my coolant flushed? I’m really confused!!!
HELP Lindsay

Hey there Lindsay!

I want you to get a cooling system pressure test done first!! This is a simple and inexpensive test just about any auto mechanic or fast lube place can do for you while you wait. This will make sure you do not have a leak in the cooling system….either external like from a leaking water pump or radiator hose, or internal leak from a head gasket or crack inside the engine..which you probably DO NOT have.

I am assuming you have an external coolant leak somewhere…hopefully somewhere cheap and easy to fix. If the pressure test proves there is NO leak, then you might have a low coolant sensor issue. BUT since you did mention that your engine did overheat at one time….I bet you have a small leak somewhere.

Blessings,

Austin Davis