How to Troubleshoot the Cooling System in a Saturn Ion
- 1). Find out if your water pump leaks. The water pump moves antifreeze through the engine, radiator and heater core. A slight smell of coolant or spots of antifreeze under your Ion when parked briefly are signs of a leaking water pump.
- 2). See if cracks, collapses, leaks or dryness affect your hoses. This includes upper and lower radiator hoses, heater and bypass hoses and manifold coolant hoses. For example, the upper hoses measure about 2 inches wide and transport antifreeze between the radiator and engine. A damaged hose leads to cooling system problems.
- 3). Look over the coolant level because low antifreeze amounts leads to overheating. Add coolant to the expansion tank reservoir when levels are low. This applies to the 4-cylinder engine.
- 4). Drain your coolant and flush the system to identify cooling problems.
- 5). Check the radiator cap for damage. For instance, corrosion could plague a faulty cap. Join forces with a mechanic to use a pressure tester or an adapter to examine the cap's pressure rating and functioning. Quickly replace a worn out cap.
- 6). Wash the front of your radiator. When you drive, dirt, rocks, leaves and other debris suck into the fins of your radiator. This leads to overheating. Use a soft nylon brush, soapy water and a water hose to clean up your radiator front.
- 7). Examine your thermostat for signs of sticking. Constant low temperature readings or peaks between high and normal temperatures are ways to pinpoint a stuck thermostat. Your thermostat usually resides inside the housing on the engine side of the upper radiator hose.
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