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View Full Version : 1996 Camry overheating, ideas?


baj123
Dec 6, 2009, 04:50 PM
About 3 weeks ago I noticed my '96 Camry was spilling coolant out of the overflow container after medium+ length trips. After seeing this a few times I topped off the coolant and kept an eye on it, but I didn't notice anymore overflow. Temp gauge was normal until yesterday it overheated. I checked the radiator and of course the coolant was pretty low. After topping it off and a test run the overflow container was empty and steaming a little bit. The temp gauge has been near normal but fluctuating hotter than usual. The fan seems to be working normally also. Any ideas where I should start? Thanks.

twinkiedooter
Dec 6, 2009, 04:57 PM
Check your water pump. Check for obstructions in the radiator. Check for leaks in the hoses.

kitch428
Dec 6, 2009, 05:38 PM
If you have never replaced the radiator in this car, it has most likely out lived it's useful life. They tend to crack at the top and bottom tanks. Replace T-stat and hoses with the job.

TxGreaseMonkey
Dec 6, 2009, 05:51 PM
When you refill the new radiator, refill it with a 50/50 mixture of Toyota-recommended coolant and distilled water.

baj123
Dec 6, 2009, 06:31 PM
That should get me started, thanks a lot. The radiator was replaced about 2 years ago and the hoses are in good shape. I forgot to mention that the temp gauge will read higher at idle and drop after acceleration. Maybe the fan? Im not the current driver of the car but last I knew the fan was OK. How can I test the fan, like should it kick on after start up and idling for a while or would I have to drive it again?

TxGreaseMonkey
Dec 7, 2009, 08:16 AM
This link should help you test the operation of the radiator fan:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-9.html#post1642158