Overheating Problem

[Terzoed 0]

Here's the issue,

 

The car will run fine for maybe 1/2 hour or so, if I get stuck in traffic, the needle will rise almost to the end of the scale and the 'stop' warning light will come on. If I switch the heater on hot, the temperature will go down. Normal running it never seems to be an issue

 

My thoughts are with the thermostat, but given how long it takes until it starts to get hot and the fact that it only occurs when sat in traffic, I think it must be working ok.

 

Thoughts please

[dazEmad 0]

Have you checked the cooling fans (slow and fast speeds) are working and also check the location of the sensor that detects the heat.

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Like mentioned sounds like your fan isn't coming on as it only happens when idle. As soon as you get moving I imagine the temps drop as the rad is is in clear air.

 

For starters check and clean the sensor in the rad.

 

Best not to drive it like this as you'll have a bill for a new head gasket etc...

Edited June 2, 2006 by Simes

[Monkey 0]

I have this problem from time to time as well. I have found that if the coolant level is running low even with fans on full tilt it runs hot. A quick top up solves it quite well.

[jonD6B 0]

When it's hot wiggle the plug that fits the thermostat in the rad to see if it's the connection. Try not to get mangled if it kicks in. Check the thermostat aswell.

[returnofjim 0]

If the fans not cutting in check the wiring first then check the rad thermo switch what activates the fan. To do this take the thermo switch out of the rad if its corroded replace it, if it looks ok leave it connected up to the wiring and hold a lighter or flame to it, if the fan doesnt cut in after about 10-20 secs then you have a problem with either the thermo switch or the wiring somewhere. I find that it usually is the switch itself thats the problem.

 

James

[Terzoed 0]

Thanks for all you replies

 

I'll give'em a try