The thermostat determines when the engine is hot and switches the fans on and off. You know it is working because the fans run.
You need to get the water pump replaced, because the coolant is not circulating (that is why the radiator stays cold even though the engine is overheating). Because this requires the cambelt ("timing belt") to be removed and then put back in the correct position afterwards, this is not a simple job and is likely to cost you a couple hundred quid.
Take the opportunity to check your service history for if the cambelt is due to be changed in the next 10,000 miles - if it is, you can save money in the next couple of years by getting it changed at the same time.
water pump. thermostat.
Blown head gasket?
A thermostat that is stuck in the closed position is a very common cause of overheating. A new thermostat should be installed every time the coolant is changed.
Either the water pump impeller is loose on it's shaft, or you have a leaking head gasket.
Remove the Radiator and have it serviced if they are able to. If not you will need to replace it, would be a good time to replace the Radiator hose's as well. Hope This Helps.
If your 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora keeps overheating and the issue is not the thermostat or the water pump, it could be the cooling fan. It might also be the radiator (leaking) or the hoses between the engine and radiator, or the shroud could be clogged or damaged.
You may have the thermostat in upside down, typically you want the pointed side facing UP.
If it's overheating, it cold be thermostat, radiator or possibly other problems. If it's not overheating it could be the coolant level sensor.
The most common cause of overheating is a thermostat stuck in the closed position. However, other causes are: faulty water pump, clogged radiator, clogged hose(s), coolant leak or a broken drive belt. I had a 1987 legend with around 160K that was overheating. Antifreeze would boil out of the overflow. I changed my radiator and it fixed the problem.
my 2001 ford windstar is still overheating even though i changed out the thermostat. what could it be?
more than likely you need a new radiator for it, when you install it back flush the engine.
Radiator plugged or restricted? Cooling system airbound? Water pump not circulating coolant? Radiator cap defective? Radiator hoses collapsing under pressure? Defective gauge/cooling temperature sensor?