Help! Overheating woes

[jamesymobilio]

The vehicle in question is a 93 Camry, 4cyl.

- Radiator recently sprung a leak and was replaced and the coolant was bled at the same time (obviously). Rad cap was not replaced at the time.
- Started overheating today, temp gauge creeps up to the red some time after the engine has warmed up, white smoke coming from radiator
- Electric fans do not turn on despite the rising temperatures, only activated when A/C is on. Cools down back to normal once the fans are running and the heater is running
- Replaced rad cap, same symptoms

Faulty thermostat?

Someone on another forum mentioned that I should be looking to see if the temp sensor/switch is working properly. Any idea how I might tackle that?

[JohnGD]

So the white smoke (coolant) was coming from the rad cap? Or elsewhere from the radiator? if the latter than it's warranty exchange time.

With the engine cold, is the coolant level in the radiator up to the filler neck? If air isn't burped out of the system it can cause overheating.

As far as the cooling fan goes, the cooling fan switch is on the lower plastic tank of the radiator. Just disconnect it, and with the ignition on the fan should come on.

I'd suspect the fan switch more at this time. Because if the fans are working the temp comes back down. So there is circulation and the thermostat may still be good. But double check to make sure the radiator is fully filled when cold.

However, when a radiator is changed its also a good time to change the radiator hoses and the thermostat. Either OEM or the Stant "OE-style" thermostat with jiggle valves should be used.

[jamesymobilio]

Coolant is at the appropriate level with the engine cold. I've disconnected the fan switch and with ignition on, the fan is on as well. Is it the sensor that's the issue then? The one that screws into the bottom of the rad near the lower rad hose.

[Zembonez]

If the cooling fan is not coming on, you need to check out the fan/relay/wiring/sensor for that system. Obviously it will continue to overheat if it is not working. A thermostat isn't going to solve that problem.

[jamesymobilio]

This is probably common sense, but I'm assuming then, that because the rad fans don't come on, that's what's causing the overheating?

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by jamesymobilio

This is probably common sense, but I'm assuming then, that because the rad fans don't come on, that's what's causing the overheating?

Yes sir! Fix that problem and I bet your issues are behind you.

[JohnGD]

Yes. If you disconnect the sensor and the fan works, then the rest of the cooling fan electrical circuit is working.

The problem points to the sensors doesn't open at the proper temperature. You can check the sensor just to verify or replace it. Unless there's something in that area of the radiator that prevents the sensor from reading the correct temperature.

Originally Posted by jamesymobilio

I've disconnected the fan switch and with ignition on, the fan is on as well. Is it the sensor that's the issue then? The one that screws into the bottom of the rad near the lower rad hose.