my Saturn wants to overheat! why?

Question

I recently bought a 94 Saturn SL2. it's in great shape, everything still functions properly, nice cold AC, etc..

but when I'm idling after driving for a while the car heats up at an alarming rate.

it's never gotten to the point where it's hit the "red zone", but came over the 3/4 mark a few times.

I'm concerned because I'm moving to another state in a few months and need this car to be able to make a 1000+ mile drive.

what do you think may be wrong here?

Answer 1

First thing is do the simple things. Check your coolant level. It is always good to check the coolant level.

Depending on the make and model you most probably have an electric fan. Some cars will have both electric and mechanical fan. But either way when you are idling the electric fan is suppose to turn on when your car heats up. If your car is being driven, normally the air traveling through the radiator is enough (if the car is moving).

So as your car is warming up open the hood and check to see if the electric fan is turning on and off. If the fan does not come on, check to see if you get a voltage. If you get voltage then the fan is broken. If you don't get voltage either, then you have more hidden problem (like broken wires, or relay).

See this link:

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/19/9f/2f/0900823d80199f2f/repairInfoPages.htm

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Answer 2

well it may not actually be overheating. the gauge could just be off. Normally a coolant fan will not turn on until about 220 degrees plus or minus a few, usually about 222 to 224. Now if the fan doesnt come on when the ac is turned on but waits until the temp hits the above mentioned mark then it will look like its overheating. Take it to a shop, have them hook up a scanner and watch the coolant fan operation and the accuracy of the guage

Answer 3

The cooling fan might not be working properly, sometimes an engine will remain somewhat cool with airflow passing thru the front from driving but overheat at idle because of this. But before leaving on a long trip you will definitely want to have that repaired or you can certainly expect problems.

Answer 4

Does the fan come on? Is the coolant topped up? If the t stat was stuck closed it would over heat all the time, not just idle. Check the fuses for the fan, It`s a 94 , have some one check the rad itself. Could be breaking down from age. 13 yrs old, may need replacing, not plugged, just not enough cooling fins left

Answer 5

if it only does it while idling then it could either be a cooling fan not working or the thermostat going bad in it,either one will cause the same problem,more than likely it could be the cooling fan not coming on like it should,because when your driving the air moving through the radiator will keep it cooled down,setting still it relies on the cooling fan,you might want a shop to look at this though,the one thing you don't want to do is run it hot,good luck on it.

Answer 6

its possible that your thermostat is sticking.no big deal its a cheap part and very easy to replace. you can also let your car warm up a little and squeeze the coolant return hose and see if it has adequate pressure if not then your not getting proper coolant flow hope this helps

Answer 7

thermostat is sticking shut.

While you are moving the airflow is keeping it cool - but once you stop it heats up.

Also look at all the hoses belts and fluids.