A 1994 Nissan Sentra engine overheating can result in severe engine damage or even an engine fire, which can be extremely dangerous. Use extreme caution in troubleshooting the problem, which could range from a minor issue like a bad radiator hose to a more serious problem like a faulty water pump or radiator leak. Fortunately, the same steps are useful to uncover the source of the problem for each of the Sentra models available in 1994: the E, XE, LE, GXE, and SE. The steps are also the same whether the car has a manual or an automatic transmission.
Instructions
- 1
Pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine. Turn the key one click without starting the motor, roll down the windows and turn the heat to the highest fan setting, located on the central instrument panel to the right of the steering wheel. This expedites the release of heat from the engine bay.
2Pull the hood release located under your dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. Use gloves or a cloth to protect your hand while opening the hood. Prop it open with the bar located in the front of the engine.
3Wait for the engine to completely cool, consulting your temperature gauge when the car is on periodically. Depending on the outside temperature and the degree of your mechanical issue, this may take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.
4Check your coolant level by looking on the side of the clear plastic overflow tank on the left side of the engine. If the coolant level is low, add engine coolant. Look under the engine to check for light green liquid dripping out. If you see green liquid under the Sentra, you have a coolant leak.
5Check the upper and lower radiator hoses for leaks. Both black hoses are approximately 2 inches in diameter and go directly into your radiator which is located behind the grill of the car in the front of the engine. The upper hose is accessible from the top of the engine, but you will have to get look the car to see the lower hose. If there is a hole in one of your hoses, replace it. If your coolant level is good and you can't find any leaks, you may have a thermostat problem.
6Start the engine with the hood open and hold the upper radiator hose to determine if the issue is a stuck thermostat. Once the engine is warm, the hose should feel warm. If you don't feel warmth or pressure in the upper hose, the thermostat is likely stuck closed, blocking the flow of coolant to the radiator.
7Time how long it takes for your car to overheat while driving. If the coolant levels are good and you have determined you don't have a thermostat problem and the car overheats within five minutes, you likely have a faulty water pump that is not pushing the engine coolant through the coolant system. If this is your issue, you will need to call a tow truck.
