How to Troubleshoot an Overheating Chevy Venture

The Chevy Venture's radiator and cooling system has to be in good working condition in order to prevent the minivan from overheating, which could damage the engine. If the van is overheating, you should troubleshoot the cooling system to locate the source of the leak or malfunction and repair it immediately to avoid damage to the vehicle and to avoid costly repairs.

Things You Will Need:

• Flashlight
• Coolant
• Radiator pressure testing kit
• Infrared thermometer

1. Open the radiator on the Venture after the van has cooled off

Open the radiator on the Venture after the van has cooled off and shine a flashlight into the radiator to check the coolant level. If the level is low, add the proper coolant/water mixture to fill the radiator. Crank the Venture’s engine and run the vehicle until the coolant begins to circulate and check the level again. Using the flashlight, check the radiator tanks and the radiator hoses for leaks.

2. Check the radiator cap by removing it while the Venture is cool

Check the radiator cap by removing it while the Venture is cool and observe it closely for rips, tears or bubbles, which may diminish a tight seal and allow steam or coolant to escape from the radiator. Replace the radiator cap and start the engine, then check for leaks around the cap once the vehicle begins to warm up.

3. Observe the front and rear of the Venture’s radiator

Observe the front and rear of the Venture’s radiator for any damage to the radiator’s surface, including cracks, breaks and/or clogs from road debris. Areas of particular concern for cracks and breaks are the seams of the radiator and the hose connectors since the Venture uses a plastic radiator. Check the radiator while cool and again while running and warm.

4. Turn off the Venture and allow it to cool

Turn off the Venture and allow it to cool until the radiator can be touched by hand. Test the radiator by hand, feeling along the outside from top to bottom. If the radiator is warmer at the bottom, it is functioning properly. Use an infrared thermometer, running it along the surface of the radiator from top to bottom to make the same assessment.

5. Remove the Chevy Venture’s radiator cap

Remove the Chevy Venture’s radiator cap and attach a pressure tester to the top of the radiator, then attach the radiator cap to the pressure tester, which will test both the radiator and the radiator cap.

6. Squeeze the upper and lower hoses

Squeeze the upper and lower hoses on the Chevy Venture, checking to see if the hoses are firm or soft. A firm hose is still in good condition, while a hose that is soft and easy to squeeze had more than likely been damaged.

Video showing how to bleed the cooling system in a Chevy Venture:

Comments on this video:

• Didn't have to use 10mm to remove whole bleeder screw, supposed to use a 7mm to just loosen top portion of bleeder. Bleeder is made in 2 pieces. Top piece of bleeder has a hole on each side of it and has a needle point to seal it. After 1st. Bleed on each side run engine then use 7mm to just loosen each side and bleed again. I found it may take a few times to get all air out of cooling system!
• I think I did it the hard way. I put a 2 L bottle flipped upside down cut bottom off and use that as an air bubble trap .I use a socket with long extension to tap it over the air bleed pipe I then let the antifreeze and air bubbles rise with engine running.I then take a 1/4 socket put electrical tape in the socket put 1/4” bleeding nut with long extension to threaded it.takes awhile but works