is it possible for an engine to overheat without the temperature gauge showing redline? I think my car might have done that.

What makes you think it overheated?

If the temperature sensor is not actually in the water, I've seen gauges read low. Check to see if the water level is correct. You probably have done this all ready.

I once had a leak and ran it out of water on the freeway. The guage showed cold cause there was no water to read and the engine was so hot it was burning the oil off the block.

terryk,
I think my car overheated because it was stalling out while driving. It stalled and I restarted 4 or 5 times and kept driving. Then it wouldn't idle anymore unless I keep my foot on the gas. I wait 10 minutes, then my car would idle in park and neutral, but once I shift into drive or reverse, it would stall. Then an hour later, I start it up and it idles normal. I shift into drive and reverse with no stall. Then I check the recovery tank in the front and I can see that the level is all the way at the bottom of the tank. The reason I didn't think my car overheated in the first place is because the temperature gauge was reading normal operating temperature.

Howdy,

1. I assume you filled the system properly (burped it).
2. I assume you are using coolant and not straight water.

Generally, I assume the engine is over heating when it overflows the recovery tank due to excess pressure opening the cap and dumping it into the tank. An empty tank implies that you have a leak somewhere or the system is full of air and it's still sucking coolant in.

Whether or not your car is really overheating is still questionable. You could have a blown head gasket too. The gauge reads normal. Since the sender is in the head, I'll bet it's correct.

Is this a L4 or V6?

Check the heater core too for leaking.

I have a V6.
You are right about having a leak somewhere. I found a small leak from the waterpump just the other day. However, I don't know why my power would go out when I hit a bump. What are the chances that I have an electrical problem and my engine overheated at the same time?? The mechanic said that the power shouldn't have gone out if the engine overheated.

Hello,

I'd have to look at the code, but I don't think the Fiero ECM's have a power off mode during an overheat situation (the later P4's and P6's do). The engine will ping like crazy if it is over about 240-250F.

I think you have two different problems. Start with the pump failure and then work on the "dead on bump". Someone said the main power distribution point by the battery goes goofy. I haven't had that problem, but it sounds common.