Just another overheating problem

[41085\\]

Ok, so here is whats happening my temperature gets just a little bit above normal when I'm driving or when I'm just sitting at a stop light, but the weird thing is if I turn the heater on the temperature goes back down to normal. The only thing I checked is the fan which is working great I guess b/c it kicks in when I'm sitting on a stop. I don't know what it could be, I searched but could not find anybody thats having this same problem.

 

[larsrya8]

You could be low on coolant, or maybe need new coolant.

 

[41085\\]

hmmmm you think, I just drained all the fluid out and refilled it, but I didn't flush my radiator completely. I think I going to try that out and see what happens.
thanks for the help

 

[kanderson111]

I would use a pressure tester and test it for very small leaks. Some leaks are so small that the coolant will evaporate as fast as it leaks and you don't actually see a leak. But you will lose enough pressure to cause an elevated temperature.

 

[larsrya8]

It could be the thermostat too.

 

[41085\\]

You think thats a sign of a bad thermostat. I don't know b/c I never had a bad thermostat before. thanks guys

 

[41085\\]

Ok I did something a while ago I let the car run for about 20 mins with the radiator cap off
and let all the air bubbles out. Took the car out for a drive and the samething happened
so I went back to my house let it sit there and the temperature rise a little but everytime I will pop my hood it goes back down. I don't know what to do and I'm running out of ideas.

 

[kottyking]

If you live in a cold area, the thermostat sounds like it froze shut. Replace it w/ a stainless steel one. Ive seen people lose motors cause of this. Change it just to be safe.

 

[41085\\]

Yeah I do live in a cold area I think thats what I'm gonna change the thermostat. Where should I get it? I know the dealership is the best place to go, but is there any other good place to go to.

 

[power=dsm]

it sounds like you have an air bubble in the system. Take the cap off the thermostat and squeeze the lower rad house. Also check all the coolant lines on your car and not just the rad houses for leaks and cracks.

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

A sure sign of the heater helping is most likely a radiator that needs cored and cleaned. You are simply removing excess heat that the radiator can't get rid of. Stuck thermostat if it's stuck bad enough will not be overcome by the heater. Low coolant and the heater won't work as it's the furthest from the engine and the water pump can't pump air.

Good Luck

 

[41085\\]

I just replaced the the lower and upper radiator hoses and I don't see any leaks anywhere. I just bought a new thermostat and I'll put that in and clean the radiator while I'm at it if it doesnt help I'll let you guys know. thanks

 

[41085\\]

Its finally fixed. I bought a new thermostat and cleaned the radiator, but when I was putting the new thermostat in I didn't know that the harness for the o2 sensor was getting soaked with anitfreeze because its right under it. I'm not getting any reading on my turbo timer now. I think I'm gonna try cleaning it see what happens.
thanks guys

 

[larsrya8]

...but when I was putting the new thermostat in I didn't know that the harness for the o2 sensor was getting soaked with anitfreeze because its right under it. I'm not getting any reading on my turbo timer now. I think I'm gonna try cleaning it see what happens.

Yeah, let me know how that turns out. I did the exact same thing to mine during my turbo install. I was refilling the coolant when suddenly it was "full" and coolant went everywhere.

 

[41085\\]

I tried it. It didn't help I guess I have to buy a new one.

 

[larsrya8]

I tried it. It didn't help I guess I have to buy a new one.

Did replacing the sensor fix the problem? I'm hoping that's all there is to it.