The gas-powered GMC Hummer and Hummer EV heat up, naturally more in the summer. The forums are full of talk about the wrong thermostat, about this and that. In short, According to the drivers, the problem is in the design of the transmission fluid & cooling system itself. The system doesn’t have enough power to cool it.
To solve this issue, an additional cooling circuit is cut into the drain pipe. Installation time is 2-3 hours. As a result, the gearbox’s dullness has disappeared. The engine has become subjectively easier to work with a sharp increase in speed, the gears began to work in a comfortable mode. Yes, at the same time, one of the mechanics changed the oil by completely replacing it – 8 liters. In this article, you will learn about the Causes and Symptoms of Hummer and Hummer EVs and their possible solution at Hytec Auto Garage.
What is Overheating? Explaining the Symptoms of HUMMER
When your Hummer EV or GMC Hummer overheats, there are a few visible symptoms that can be seen. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing overheating:
The Water Temperature Gauge
The Water Temperature Gauge Indicates an Abnormality in traditional Hummer and Hummer EVs. Vehicles with water-cooled engines have a “water temperature gauge” installed in the meter panel that shows the temperature of the coolant flowing through the engine. It is marked “C (cool)” and “H (hot)”, and if the needle is exactly halfway between C and H, it means that the coolant is at the correct temperature.
However, if overheating occurs, the needle will approach H, and if the symptoms are severe, it may swing to H. Some Hummer models have a water temperature gauge that shows the temperature as a number. It depends on the manufacturer and model, but if you check the water temperature gauge and it shows 115°C or higher, you may have an overheated car.
Also, if your vehicle does not have a water temperature gauge, you can determine this by checking whether the “water temperature warning light” on the meter panel is on or not.
Mechanism in Hummer EVs:
While a water temperature gauge is a common feature in gasoline-powered cars, it won’t be found in a Hummer EV. Since it uses an electric motor and battery pack for propulsion, there’s no need for a traditional water-cooling system for an engine.
The Hummer EV might have a cooling system for managing battery temperature and potentially other high-voltage components. This system wouldn’t use engine coolant but a different coolant specifically designed for electric vehicles.
Instead of a water temperature gauge, a Hummer EV might have a battery temperature gauge or a more general “high-temperature” warning light on the dashboard. If the battery or other components overheat, this light would illuminate to alert the driver.
The Engine is Running Strangely in the Hummer
If the engine overheats, the following may occur:
- Engine speed is unstable
- I can’t go as fast as usual
- Idling becomes impossible
- The engine stops, won’t start, etc.
Strange noise Coming from the GMC Hummer’s Engine
You can also tell if your Hummer engine is overheating by the sound it makes. If you hear any clanging, ringing, or rattling noises coming from the engine (also known as knocking noises), be careful.
Smells and smoke start to come out
Other symptoms that may occur during overheating include:
- There is a sweet smell coming from the hood (the smell of coolant leaking and evaporating)
- The smell of burning oil coming from the hood
- Steam or smoke starts coming out of the hood
Causes of Overheating in Hummer EV and Traditional Hummer
Overheating does not happen spontaneously in Hummers. There is some cause for it to appear. Below, we will pick up some factors that can cause overheating.
Lack of Cooling Water, abnormality in the Cooling System
When you drive a Hummer, the parts inside the engine operate at high speeds, causing the engine to heat up. However, the engine is normally kept at an appropriate temperature because the “coolant” constantly cools it. If there is a shortage or leakage of this coolant, the engine’s cooling power decreases, which can lead to overheating.
In addition, if there is deterioration or failure in various parts of the cooling system, such as the radiator, water pump, thermostat, or cooling fan, proper cooling may not be achieved, leading to overheating.
Since the Hummer EV is an electric vehicle, it doesn’t have an engine that relies on engine oil for lubrication and cooling. Electric vehicles use electric motors powered by batteries. These motors don’t require oil for lubrication because they have fewer moving parts compared to a traditional gasoline engine.
However, the Hummer EV likely still has a cooling system for its battery and potentially other high-voltage components. This system might use a coolant liquid instead of engine oil.
How to Prevent Overheating in Hummer and Hummer EVs?
To prevent overheating, it is important to make sure to carry out regular inspections and maintenance. In addition to having your car inspected regularly, be sure to check your car daily for any abnormalities.
The first thing to check is the water temperature gauge. If you can deal with the problem when the water temperature gets a little high, you can minimize damage to the engine. Also, check the coolant level to see if there are any leaks, and make sure the engine oil level is not low or contaminated by foreign objects.
It is said that overheating is more likely to occur in the summer when temperatures are high. This is because the coolant temperature is likely to rise, so idling in a traffic jam puts a strain on the engine. In the summer, be sure to check the water temperature gauge more than usual, and if you are stuck in a long traffic jam, make sure to temporarily stop the engine at a service area and let it rest.
Summary
When it comes to Hummer maintenance and repairs, the expertise of the mechanic plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the outcome. While keeping costs low is essential, it is equally important to find a garage that can respond promptly and has an excellent track record of maintenance and repairs. Contact us today and consult with a Hummer Specialist.
