In the last couple of days I have noticed that my wofe's suburban (2007) is running hot. It sounds fine at start up, but after a short driver it sounds like a fan comes on (best I can describe the sound), and the temp runs up over 3/4 of the way. I was wondering if it could be the water pump going out, or something else entirely? Any help is appreciated.

 

best thing to so is put a good code reader that can see live data and see what it says the temp is

 

Most likely culprits are a stuck (closed) thermostat and a bad water pump. Also check the fins of the radiator - are they plugged with bugs/leaves/detritus?

 

Been thinking about buying one of these for a while now. Just not sure which one to choose. There are so many. Any recommendations for a good one that won't break the bank. Maybe something $150 or less????

 

Thanks for responding. I will see if I can verify either of those this weekend.

 

I just ordered THIS

$318 with shipping. About as cheap as you're going to find for a full-fuction Tech2-type tool.

You can buy a cheap ($10) OBD2 reader that you can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Run it with the Torque application, and you can at least do the basics - keep an eye on vehicle parameters, check trouble codes, etc. I have one for each of my vehicles.

 

https://www.harborfreight.com/zr13-o...ist-63806.html is the one i got but i got it on sale for 169+ 10 shipping. its not as complex as the tech2 type but does most things

 

First of all, within the normal operating range is normal. However, if you think it's running hotter, could be thermostat, air flow, or fan failure issue (electric fans or fan clutch), low coolant level (air pockets). However, important to tell us if this running hotter is during city driving or during highway driving, that is way different, and different reasons.

 

It usually runs right around 210 (roughly half way between 1/4 and 1/2 on the gauge. It shot up to half way between 3/4 and pegged. Just figured something was causing that. The temp is high in both city and highway driving.

 

Maybe time to think about testing or replacing the temperature sender, and checking its connector (could have resistance) ?