Woo hoo, another problem

[Injected413]

Ok well I have noticed for a few weeks now that black smoke has been exiting my exhaust pipes when I start my car up. Its not a lot but its still noticeable and of concern to me. Now any time I leave my car idling for a few minutes, it OVERHEATS like no other, to the point where the check gauges light comes on and everything. I wonder if this has to do with anything? Well now the LOW OIL light is coming on yet I had an oil change approx 2000 miles ago. I checked under the car for leaks and there wasnt a drop of anything every time I have checked. Also while I was at the gas station tonight, I hit my remote start and it always starts the first try. Tonight it took 2 tries and it sounded like it was going to die, like it barely started but once it was running was running strong. Suggestions/ideas on where to start? Oh also my SES light is on and the code is for the EVAP blah blah i forget.. lol. Help!

[IDoVoodoo]

Re: Woo hoo, another problem

start by checking your coolant. and pull out the old dipstick and check your oil level.

[95redslp]

Re: Woo hoo, another problem

what he said ^ ... sounds like your burning oil... the thing is oil smoke is blue-ish... black smoke is gas not being burnt

[Injected413]

Re: Woo hoo, another problem

dip stick level was normal, where exactly is the coolant resevoir located, sorry im quite the newb!

[95redslp]

Re: Woo hoo, another problem

right near the battery ... dont drive it if its overheating or you will cause yourself lots of damage

[Injected413]

Re: Woo hoo, another problem

Ok I will check the coolant resevoir tomrorow on my way to work... everytime I go driving it overheats to the point where the fans come on when I come to a stop. I have a stock thermostat and no manual control for the fans or anything. If I fill up the coolan resevoir and it doesnt calm the overheating then where should I go from there?

[95redslp]

Re: Woo hoo, another problem

the fans should come on it depends how hot it is getting. what is the temperature gauge saying?

[Injected413]

Re: Woo hoo, another problem

well i think my temp gauge is messed up. I had to take the cluster out to put on a faceplate and i think when i put the needle back on its off. When i start the car it starts at like 1/4 of the way in from the left side... like say the temp had 4 readings... A,B,C,D A = cold D = hottest... it starts at point B. But im saying EVERYTIME i go driving the fans come on

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: Woo hoo, another problem

The fans should come on when you are driving. Perhaps autotap, hp tuners, or some sort of scan tool would be beneficial so you could see where your temp actually is. You could also buy a water temp gauge from Autometer, that would remain accurate. If you were actually overheating, you would hear your coolant boiling when you shut off the car. that is assuming you have any coolant in the car. Checking the coolant dipstick is worthless. Let the car cool and open the radiator cap, fill as needed. It should be full to the top.