Which symptom indicates a faulty water pump?

A symptom of engine overheating often indicates a faulty water pump in a vehicle's cooling system. The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine and the radiator to maintain the optimal operating temperature. When the pump fails or becomes less effective, it can lead to insufficient coolant flow, which prevents heat from being effectively dissipated. This, in turn, causes the engine temperature to rise, resulting in overheating. Engine overheating can lead to severe damage, so it’s crucial to diagnose and rectify water pump issues promptly to ensure the cooling system functions efficiently.

While unusual noises from the engine compartment or low fuel efficiency might point to other problems, they are not direct indicators of a water pump failure. A high coolant level is contrary to the symptom, as a failing water pump typically does not lead to an increased coolant level in the reservoir. Instead, it may lead to coolant leaking or low levels due to overheating and boiling over.