Dolphinride

I noticed my 2003 Maxima running MUCH hotter than it should.

I have had the car for about 3 years, and it has 82,xxx miles on it.

The overheating was noticed immediately after pulling out of a parking lot and really getting on the gas, to get out into traffic.

I was concerned 'Oh my gosh, what the hell is wrong' and 'crap, is this going to be really hard to diagnose, or expensive to fix'?

So, I did some reading, mostly here on this forum, and I decided I should go ahead and replace the thermostat. I was certainly not 100% sure thats what it was going to be, but it was my best guess.

There were no leaks, no steam or smoke. No steam or smoke possibly because I noticed the gauge, and stopped, and had the car towed home. I did NOT want to take any chances with causing any damage by overheating.

So, I went to AutoZone, part cost $41. I asked a guy in the store, 1/2 joking if he wanted to replace my thermostat. He said 'no' but call this other guy.

So, at about 10:30PM, in the pitch dark a couple guys came over and did the work for $50.00.

2 of the 3 bolts were hard to get to, but the guys stayed chill, took their time, and got it done.

Car seems fixed, based on about a 7 mile test drive.

This is meant to be a contribution to the forum.