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2012 Commodore VE overheating

Gary Smith

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The other day the instrument display says warning engine overheating and reduces power. I look at the temperature gauge and its off the scale . I drove it another 2k to a servo and topped up the water, and took a look under but there was no signs of a leak. Topping up made no difference. I drove another few k's and the guage needle drops from off the scale to zero, and has not moved since.

The car is driving ok albeit on reduced power. Would this be a dud thermo, or could there be other causes ?

Thanks in advance :)
 

greenacc

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How much water did you have to top it up with?
 

J_D 2.0

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It’s probably your radiator cap. Check your overflow tank. If it’s over full (assuming it was at the correct level to start with) the coolant is overflowing to the expansion tank but can’t get back to the radiator as the cap isn’t sealing properly.
 

greenacc

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A bad thermostat won't cause reduced power or explain the needle sticking on cold.
New cap is always a good idea and check both the temperature sensor/senders
 

Fu Manchu

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Make sure you use a Holden filler cap. The after market ones are calibrated to an outdated pressure and don't last. Holden caps are not expensive, costing about $30, just like the aftermarket ones do. New caps will be 140kPa, not 120.
 

J_D 2.0

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Make sure you use a Holden filler cap. The after market ones are calibrated to an outdated pressure and don't last. Holden caps are not expensive, costing about $30, just like the aftermarket ones do. New caps will be 140kPa, not 120.

I had this issue with my SSV a couple of weeks ago. The car overheated and I had to run the heater full belt on a 30 degree day to get it home. The thermostat had failed so I replaced (after running it for a couple of days with no thermostat because parts stores don’t bother to keep them in stock!).

After I replaced the thermostat though the radiator cap failed and it was “losing coolant“ but it was going to the overflow tank and couldn’t get back. Bought 4 genuine caps from a Holden dealership for 28 bucks each (Holden parts won’t be around forever so I stocked up) and it’s all good now.
 
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