About a week ago, I started noticing coolant leaking near the right front tire. Checked hoses and anywhere I could think the leak was coming from. It was then that I noticed that I was getting spillage from the reservoir.
Headed down to O'reilly's and picked up a new cap for the radiator and reservoir. Didn't see any leaks for a few days until I decided to run my AC and noticed my temp gauge climbing up. Quickly pulled over and fluid was coming out of the reservoir again.
I spoke to a friend with more automotive knowledge than I and was told that the thermostat was the likely culprit.
Replaced the thermostat and did a radiator flush. Everything was running great and no overheating issues. AC blew cold air and heater blew hot air. It was a few more days later that I noticed more fluid on the ground in the same location.
I was still having fluid bubble out of the reservoir. I went to run a quick errand and noticed the temp gauge start to climb again. Turned off the AC and the gauge began to drop. Once I came to a stop the gauge started to climb.
I'm a little stumped on what I should try and do from here. I'm not in the best financial position right now and trying to avoid taking it to a mechanic.
Has anyone had a similar situation or have suggestions on what I should try next? It has 142k miles on it.
Little side note, while this has been going on. In the morning when I go into reverse I feel a hard slam. I always give the suv a few minutes to warm up before driving. This has been a new development since the overheating issue began. Is there any correlation with this, or am I just unlucky and the transmission starting to go?
Any insight will be much appreciated!
Thanks,