If you take off the radiator cap, fill up the radiator and then start the motor after about 5 minutes the water level inside the radiator should go down. If it doesn't you require a new thermostat. If it is not your thermostat. Wiggle the pulley on the water pump and see if it feels awkward and look to see if there is any indication of water leaks around the pump area. If not and the pulley seems tight and normal I think you have a radiator that is beyond flushing. You can try flushing it but if it is overheating and will not hold water you will need a new or my suggestion, a rebuilt one.
If it overheats very quickly, it likely has a bad thermostat. If the radiator does not fill easily when re-filling, likely the radiator is internally blocked and requires either a flush, boil out or replacement. Make sure any electric fans are properly operating. If you have any white smoke or coolant in engine oil, you may have a blown head gasket. A shop can identify this condition by checking for hydrocarbons in the cooling system, or by doing a compression or leakdown test.Do the easy stuff first...change the thermostat. If problem continues, go further with your diagnostics.
The car will shut off but cant get key out. after a while the key will come right out. could it be electrical problem?
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