My 2001 Chev Cav temp gauge shoots up quickly but appears to have plenty of water and oil? When I remove the oil cap it smokes a little. My shade tree guy says thermostat. Any ideas? Also if that is it, how much should a mechanic charge me to fix? Thanks very much! Terrell [email protected]

Ned C Cook

• 3433 Answers
• Posted on Sep 24, 2009

SOURCE: 2001 chev blazer v6 4x4

It appears you have possibly a bad MAF sensor. It's in the intake duct. If its dirty, wash it off with CRC electrical cleaner. Do not touch, rub or brusj. dries quickly. See if this helps. Good Luck, Ned

SOURCE: Is replacing the thermostat on a 2001 too much for

It is not a complicated procedure and all the work is within reach and no special tools are needed (can be done with just a pair of regular pliers, but please safely use the proper tools).. The steps are below; however, you may want to go to your local public library (you don't need a library card) and go to the "Reference Section". There you can find "Chilton's and Motor's reference books on your vehicle. Find the pages related to changing the thermostat and photocopy them using the public copy machines (15 ~ 25 cents per page).

Here are the steps:
1. Locate the thermostat housing at the end of the top radiatoir hose where it connects to the engine manifold. It is held onto the hose with a clamp.
2. Drain the radiator coolant to a level below the height of the thermostat housing. The drain plug is a thumb-screw on the lower right of the radiator as you face the radiator (maybe lower left). Reach behind the radiator from the bottom of the car. When done, then:
3. Remove the two bolts that hold the thermostat housing to the manifold.
4. Remove the old thermostat from the engine (may be stuck - pry it off) and scrape the old gasket and sealant from the housing and the manifold.
5. Install new thermostat (pointy side towards radiator) and use sealant on both sides of the gasket.
6. I recommend Permatex #2 non-hardening gasket sealant (small tube $3).
7. Tighten the housing down and replenish radiator....
*done*

SOURCE: temp gauge reaches red line and smoke/steam from

Something is wrong. What does the steam smell like? Oil or antifreeze?
Look closely for coolant seeping onto something hot and vaporizing, if that's what you smell.
Check your coolant level and oil to verify if you may have a leak.

SOURCE: 2003 chev gauges

Check the guage/dash fuse in the fuse panel

SOURCE: coolant not circulating on 2000 cav replaced water

thermostat maybe frozen shut