I have a 95 Pontiac Sunfire and the engine seems to overheat a little bit when I idle for a while (ie stuck in slow traffic). It cools down once I start moving again. Is this normal for an older car or is it something I should worry about?
2007-10-08 07:42:03 · 12 answers · asked by ekimollidrac 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Let your car get warm then open the hood and see if the fan comes on when the temperature get to where it is supposed to be. If not then you need to change that asap.
If everything works, and you have enough coolant, that leaves the radiator,waterpump, or thermostat.
Most likely the fan.
2007-10-08 07:57:49 · answer #1 · answered by Doug 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar problem with my 90 Nissan Pickup awhile ago. It might be your radiator is clogging(not 100%). When you are driving, you got cool air running through it so it cool down a bit.
Another thing to check is while IDLE, does your fan turn on when the temperature rised to high level? if not, then the problem could very well be your fan switch(over 20 buck to replace for my truck).
Feel the top hose that goes back to the radiator and it is hot, the internal thermostat is working, if not most likely the thermostat is not openning - more work but replacable at home.
When the car is cooled, check to see if you have any coolant left in the radiator, if you have to keep filling it up every other days, you have either an internal or external leaking problem(big money- hard to troubleshoot without proper tools).
Look for the smaller, obvious signs first. If all else fails, go to your trusty mechanic and spend some money. Good luck.
2007-10-08 14:53:48 · answer #2 · answered by rjkdlsjllsdj 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work in the service department at a Pontiac dealership. First off is the vehicle actually overheating (going into the red) or is the temperature just rising? If the temperature gage goes up a little when at an idle but does not go into the danger zone that would be normal. If it is actually overheating be sure to check that the coolant level is full, check the reservoir and the radiator. If it is low there is probably a leak from the water pump or intake gasket and that will cause overheating.
2007-10-08 14:48:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know any thing about these cars but look at your cooling fan is it electric or mechanical. It might be that when you are stationery there is not enough cool air being pulled through the radiator or the water pump is not circulating enough water when the engine is ticking over
2007-10-08 14:57:01 · answer #4 · answered by rocky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the cooling fan in working then you might change the thermostat. If stop leak has been added to the coolant then you will have to replace the radiator.
2007-10-08 19:34:35 · answer #5 · answered by Alanrt1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like it is air cooled and thats why it cools down when you pick up speed. But that doesnt sound right for a 1995 car. Id have it looked at just to be safe.
2007-10-08 14:46:19 · answer #6 · answered by Uncle J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the antifreeze/water in the radiator immediately before it overheats!
2007-10-08 14:45:11 · answer #7 · answered by Harley Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the thermostat to me.
2007-10-08 14:50:39 · answer #8 · answered by Only by the grace of God 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When weas the last time you had the antifreeze drained and replaced? Open the cap, and if it looks like chocolate milk,. it's overdue.
2007-10-08 14:45:01 · answer #9 · answered by TedEx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fairly normal, but check your radiator fluid.
2007-10-08 14:45:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋