My engine overheated today although I turned it off before the temp gauge pegged. Prior to the overheat, the torque converter kept locking and unlocking while driving on the freeway, and would randomly not shift up a few times when driving at city speeds (revs got up to about 2500rpm on light throttle). 'High Gearbox Temp' flashed for a half second and went away. The car then overheated. Immediately after I turned off the car, I checked the coolant temp with my code reader and it was 249 degrees. I estimate the car ran this temp for about 10 seconds. No hoses blew, but my coolant cap shot some coolant out. No steam. The cooling fans shorted out because of a wire that got cut in the fan blade which caused the overheat. I already replaced the water pump, hoses, and thermostat last year.

The car is a 2000 VDP with 110k miles.

Should I be concerned about long term reliability issues from this? At what engine temp does engine damage occur on these cars? Anything to worry about for the transmission?

 

fix the fan wiring and say a prayer! you're gambling...

 

+1

If it's happened you'll find out soon enough. It's very unlikely to create a situation where something will subsequently fail as a result many months or 1000's of miles later.

Graham

 

+2 Good Luck! Finger's Crossed - (I think you'll be OK - but double check everything)

 

If it ever happens again regardless of any car, do NOT shut it off, turn the heat on full blast and DRIVE, she will cool down, then shut it off.

 

Rlover, I can't see that working if the water pump fails, thermostat sticks closed or coolant is leaking.
RJ___________________
97 XK8 86 K mi

 

True good clarification., only works when fans fail...