QuestionI have a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse GS 2.4L 4cyl sportronic/automatic, My temperature reads high after a while of drivin specially when the AC is on, i change the termostat, cleaned(flushed)the radiator, the antifreeze/water, and i just bought the water pump but havent installed it because sometimes when i turn my lights off the Temp. goes down and when i turn them on the temp. goes up. Could the problem be the heat sensor or should i just change the water pump?
AnswerJulio,
There are a few things that cause overheating. Here is a list of the most common causes:
1. Stuck thermostat
2. Inadequate amount of coolant
3. Malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor (near the thermostat)
4. Malfunctioning coolant thermosensor (attached to the radiator)
5. Malfunctioning water pump
6. Malfunctioning radiator fan
7. Inadequate amount of engine oil
8. Clogged or damaged radiator
You mentioned that your thermostat was replaced, your radiator was cleaned, and new coolant was added, so you can probably rule out those items. But check the other items on that list to see if you can find the cause. If you have never had your water pump replaced, and your car has over 60,000 miles on it, you should have your pump replaced. I've never heard of lights causing overheating, but it's possible the temperature sensor is showing false readings due to the lights. There is lots of current flowing through the lights circuit, and it's possible the sensor is malfunctioning due to some interference caused by the lights. Check your sensors if replacing the water pump doesn't help.
Good luck!
