Chevrolet Repair: 95 blazer running hot, coolant level, temp gauge

Question
The "check gauges" light came on. The temp gauge was in the red area. The water pump was replaced 2 years ago. Maybe 5000 miles since. The heat has not worked well lately and would not be warm by the 15 minutes it takes to get to work. Could it be a thermostat? water pump? Thank you for any help you may offer. I do not want to pay too much money at a repair shop.

Answer
The cooling system should be checked to see if it's low in antifreeze. If it's low a pressure test should be performed to locate the leak. Leak could be many things, hoses, gaskets, water pump, etc.

If the coolant level is full, the thermostat could of stuck closed causing the overheat condition.

It is also possible that the heater core is clogged. This would cause poor heat but would not cause the overheating condition.