Why does my Pontiac Grand AM temperature alway creep up, getting hot?

L

lilquinta19

New member
I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand AM that always seems to go to the next notch above the temp of 200. I have coolant in the gauge and it doesnt have any leaks. Also, it does not run hot in the red zone, but creeps up when im idling and when im constantly doing stop and go traffic. It stays at the right temp of 200 when im doing highway driving. Every mechanic I ask about it keep telling me that its fine as long as it doesnt go in the red zone. But the car always stayed at the right temp since I had it, it just started creeping up lately. I have a gut feeling that its something wrong.
 
Well to me the driver always know their vehicle best especially if they've always monitored the dash and its gauges.More then likely the system could have low coolant levels or a leak or the fan isn't engaging or it isn't engaging at the correct temperatures or the anti-freeze is slightly worn out or worn down bec it does wear out over time.From the age of your vehicle and if you've owned it since new and haven't changed the coolant in it I'd start there.

A great handy tool to have is a proper anti-freeze tester that run for about 7 bucks at walmarts etc.I'd make sure that the engine is cool and then test the coolant level with tester and never mixed regular water use distilled water and don't allow the anti-freeze to run onto the ground etc use a proper drain pan bec animals can get fairly ill if they drink it and even die from it.

In Canada where I live I advice the anti-freeze to be mixed for about -40F regardless what season it is and I believe thats about -3C for you.

Once you know the coolant quality, mixture and level is proper , run the engine then squeeze the thermostat hose wearing gloves it need be after a few mins pressure should build up and if no pressure it means the thermostat should be replaced.While it sits idling , watch for the fan to engage once it sits idling warmed up awhile.If it doesn't engage then test the fuse , relay , wiring , temperature sensor and fan.



Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way to me it sounds like a coolant issue and if you've not changed the thermostat in sometime I'd change it bec it could be stickling at times too.
 
There are just a few things that it could be. It could be your radiator fan not coming on. It's electric and controlled by a temperature sensor on the engine. When you are up to speed there is enough air passing through the radiator and cooling the water that the fan shuts off. When you stop the water heats up and the sensor makes the fan start. This is the most likely cause.

It could also be your thermostat. It is a spring loaded valve located inside a small housing that bolts to the top of your engine. Your top radiator hose is clamped to this housing. When the water in your engine starts getting warm it makes the thermostat open to let the water flow through. It may not be opening all the way.

These are very simple things to fix if you have a few tools and don't mind getting your hands dirty.

If you decide to do it yourself I'd be happy to walk you through it. Just email me.
 
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