Cooling System Diagnosis
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Suzuki Reno and 2005 Suzuki Forenza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Engine Overheats
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM
| Checks | Action |
|---|---|
| Check for a loss of the coolant. | Add the coolant. |
| Check for a weak coolant solution. | Confirm that the coolant solution is a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol and water. |
| Check the front of the radiator for any dirt, any leaves, or any insects. | Clean the front of the radiator. |
| Check for leakage from the hoses, the coolant pump, the heater, the thermostat housing, the radiator, the core plugs, or the head gasket. | Replace any damaged components. |
| Check for a faulty thermostat. | Replace a damaged thermostat. |
| Check for retarded ignition timing. | Perform an ECM code diagnosis. Confirm the integrity of the timing belt. |
| Check for an improperly operating electric cooling fan. | Replace the electric cooling fan. |
| Check for radiator hoses that are plugged or rotted. | Replace any damaged radiator hoses. |
| Check for a faulty water pump. | Replace a faulty water pump. |
| Check for a faulty surge tank cap. | Replace a faulty surge tank cap. |
| Check for a cylinder head or an engine block that is cracked or plugged. | Repair the damaged cylinder head or the damaged engine block. |
Loss of Coolant
COOLANT DIAGNOSIS SPECIFICATIONS
| Checks | Action |
|---|---|
| Check for a leak in the radiator. | Replace a damaged radiator. |
Check for a leak in the following locations:
|
Replace the following parts, as needed:
|
| Check for loose or damaged radiator hoses, heater hoses, and connections. | Reseat the hoses. Replace the hoses or the clamps. |
| Check for leaks in the coolant pump seal. | Replace the coolant pump seal. |
| Check for leaks in the coolant pump gasket. | Replace the coolant pump gasket. |
| Check for an improper cylinder head torque. | Tighten the cylinder head bolts to specifications. Replace the cylinder head gasket, if needed. |
Check for leaks in the following locations:
|
Repair or replace any components, as needed, to correct the leak. |
Engine Fails to Reach Normal Operating Temperature or Cool Air from the Heater
ENGINE FAILS DIAGNOSIS CHART
| Checks | Action |
|---|---|
| Check to determine if the thermostat is stuck open or is the wrong type of thermostat. | Install a new thermostat of the correct type and heat range. |
| Check the coolant level to determine if it is below the MIN mark on the surge tank. | Add sufficient coolant to raise the fluid to the specified mark on the surge tank. |