Due to Covid my can had been sitting for about 2 months only being driven twice with no issues in their than a strained start. Last week I went out and it needed a jump. I accidentally reversed the polarity on the cables and caught my battery on fire. Stupid mistake. Once started though, the engine started over heating. I’m inclined to think that it is related to the reversing of the cables. I did replace the thermostat, coolant levels are good, coolant tubes get hot, radiator fan does work so I’m assuming it can’t be a fried relay. I haven’t found any leaks in hoses and never had a single issue prior to the jumper reversal. I’m pretty comfortable doing all the work aside from a new heater core, but I don’t think that’s the problem. Could this be related to the improper jump start? My troubleshooting is maxed out. Thank you.
What makes this problem better or worse?
Over heats at idle and on highway.
How long has your 2011 Cadillac DTS had this problem?
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The major problem is there’s really no repair protocol for reversed battery polarity - each case will be unique as to the damages sustained..
No way to guess at it here online that’s going to be beneficial at all.
*Hands-on* testing is required.
Good luck!
One suggestion is to make certain the engine is actually overheating and the temperature gauge isn’t reading inaccurately.
Pro quality scan tool is a must!
It’s heating up and steaming out of the overflow reservoir so I’m assuming that it’s not just the gauge. I guess I can try to flush the heater core and see where that gets me. There doesn’t seem to be anything electrical wrong with the car, no indicator lights, and I did replace battery. I guess if flushing the heater core doesn’t work I’ll take it in.
One suggestion is to make certain the engine is actually overheating and the temperature gauge isn’t reading inaccurately. Pro quality scan tool is a must!
It’s heating up and steaming out of the overflow reservoir so I’m assuming that it’s not just the gauge. I guess I can try to flush the heater core and see where that gets me. There doesn’t seem to be anything electrical wrong with the car, no indicator lights, and I did replace battery. I guess if flushing the heater core doesn’t work I’ll take it in.
How did this work out for you? It’s a unique problem and I want to know the solution you found, if any. Thanks.