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Engine Running Hot at Idle


GrandRegal
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I have a 1997 Cutlass Supreme that gets too hot when idling after the car has been driven. The temp gauge stays on the line during highway driving and if it starts to overheat in traffic it cools down once moving again. The problem seems to be the radiator fans do not come on when they should but occasionally they will come on and one always comes on when I put the A/C on. Also the fan motors are brand new and this problem existed before I changed them. Any ideas what would cause this? The only thing I can think of is the coolant temp sensor is not reading correctly. Thanks for the help!

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If the temp sensor wasn't reading correctly, it would default to -36F and perma turn on the fans. If you want to see that, disconnect the clip that goes to it. You should see the fans turn on as soon as the car is on the on position. (May have to start it the first time). If you suspect the fans aren't turning on electrically without the A/C on, this would be a good test, IMO.

 

The fans are set to turn on at 225F, so it might be a good idea to check the actual temperature with an OBD2 scanner. I'm not sure of 97, but I know 94 has 2 coolant temperature sensors. One runs the gauge reading, the other feeds info to the computer. This is why I suggest using the OBD2 scanner.

 

The other thing I suggest, if you haven't already is changing out the thermostat and bleeding the cooling system. 2 very overlooked things.

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post-9075-143689178126_thumb.jpg Thanks for the reply. I will try to disconnect the sensor and see if the fans come on. Am I correct in assuming the gauge should stay at the lower line where it is pointed now?
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]18420[/ATTACH] Thanks for the reply. I will try to disconnect the sensor and see if the fans come on. Am I correct in assuming the gauge should stay at the lower line where it is pointed now?

 

You can go as far up as the center of the C and the H. As long as the needle doesn't get to the last white notch you're good. These needles aren't accurate, hence some people calling them "dummy gauges".

 

The best way to get the reading is the OBD2 Scanner. The computer will tell you the exact values.

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