I would like to know why this happened. This car has only 61,000 mi. on it.

What is your question?

I thought the car ran great, until the day it over heated and this happened. My gauge that shows to check the fluid was not even lit up on the dash. It happened so fast it was terrible. The car just locked. The car was NOT leaking and fluids underneath. I need to know if I should be even thinking of putting more money in this car. It also needs the rocker panels on both sides repaired as it will not pass inspection. Any advice you could give me about this situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Cathy

What makes this problem better or worse?

It starts to overheat as soon as the car is driven a short period

How long has your 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier had this problem?

6 months or more