2008 Yaris Overheating… head gasket trouble

Update****
I wish it was just the radiator, but my head gasket has a crack. I’m beyond devastated right now.

I feel like the issue started last year when my water pump went bad. I got it fixed, and everything was fine until the summer when my A/C compressor broke, and I had that replaced too. Now, my car has been overheating almost every other week. The red overheating light flashes and then goes off. I’ve replaced the water pump twice, along with the thermostat, but the problem keeps coming back. Lately, it was fine for a few weeks, but now the overheating light is flickering again, and I can smell something burning, like plastic. I suspect it’s the water pump again. I just want to fix the real issue—any advice? My mechanic is getting tired of seeing this car! And I always heard these cars were supposed to be super reliable.

The real issue? It might be your mechanic. Find someone new.

They need to check if the radiator fan is working and turns on at the right temperatures, especially when the A/C is on. They should also check if the radiator fins are blocked with debris, which can restrict airflow. A pressure test on the coolant system could help identify any leaks. After replacing the water pump, they should check if it’s working correctly by removing the radiator cap, warming up the engine, and revving it to see if coolant is flowing properly. Air pockets in the coolant system can cause overheating, especially if they didn’t bleed the system correctly.

Make sure they’re using an OEM Toyota or AISIN-branded water pump, which should last over 100k miles if installed right. Some installers tighten the belt too much, which can ruin the pump bearings.

@Benaiah
My mechanic is actually my brother—he’s only been working on cars for about 4 years, but I trust him more than anyone else. Plus, he’s affordable. My uncle works on diesel trucks, but he’s super busy, so I can’t ask him for help. As a woman, I’m wary of going to a shop because I don’t want to get ripped off or have things stolen from my car (like what happened to my mom when her new battery was stolen).

I have an '07 Yaris, and they are usually super reliable. I had an overheating issue once, and it was because the radiator cap was broken. I also had a radiator leak because the top part of the radiator broke. Other than that, no major issues. It’s also a good idea to replace the hoses and thermostat periodically.

Check for leaks, inspect the hoses, the radiator cap, and your coolant levels. It might help to clean out the radiator as well. I had mine cleaned when it broke, and it was pretty dirty.

For what it’s worth, I’m still running the original water pump, but I plan to replace it soon to avoid future problems.

@Zeek
Thanks for the advice. I recently replaced the thermostat, but I’ve been telling my brother to check the radiator. I guess we’ll have to take another look at it.

You can also try checking it yourself—there are some great videos on YouTube that can walk you through it.

Good luck, I hope you get it sorted soon. It’s stressful dealing with this kind of issue.

It sounds like a clogged radiator. Usually, I replace the radiator when I replace the water pump, especially if the radiator hasn’t been replaced before.

Verne said:
It sounds like a clogged radiator. Usually, I replace the radiator when I replace the water pump, especially if the radiator hasn’t been replaced before.

Thanks for the suggestion!