I have a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix with a 3.8 L supercharged engine and I'm concerned it is running too hot. Generally when I'm driving at any speed on flat ground, the temperature gauge reads about 185-190. If I get stuck in traffic or I am going uphill for an extended period, the temperature gauge goes up to 210 or a little higher. Once, on a very long hill, it went even higher but not into the red zone. As soon as I speed up, it goes back down. When the car was newer, it stayed at a constant temperature. Is this a problem? If so, what could the problem be. It has a new radiator.
?2013-05-31T23:02:49Z
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Sounds like you've got a defective electric cooling fan.
This fan is there for just those situations that you've described.
You've either got a bad fan motor, thermostat or coolant temperature sensor.
Go to the nearest auto parts store and ask them to pull your engine codes for you.
This will help give you a little more direction and allow you the opportunity to clean and test any suspect components that are revealed as a result of the code reading.
Cleaning and test procedures are available on line for all components on your car.
Always test prior to replacing anything as sometimes other faults can cause a false reading to be indicated.
I don't think its your fan, but it is a possibility. The thermostat is a more likely culprit. But it really just sounds like you're low on coolant. Before you go anywhere tomorrow, or later today.... Just check your radiator for fluid. If its low, fill it up with some water. Unless it winter time where you are, '50/50' coolant is unnecessary. Just a little color is fine. Now there's a few things that can cause a coolant leak. You could have a bad hose connection somewhere; a clamp could be wearing out or a hose has finally gone out. The radiator is new so don't worry about that. The only other place you could be loosing water is into the engine. Don't think that just because you're not blowing a ginormaous white cloud of smoke that your head gasket is ok. I Just replaced one on my moms car because it was loosing water but not blowing any smoke. Let me cut this a little shorter. You're low on coolant. Possible leak from a hose, check for puddles where you park. Possible head gasket also. If you fill it with water and it still runs hot, have someone who can work on cars remove your thermostat. You don't have to replace it just yet, this is a test. If it still runs hot with no thermostat, then it is like 90% you're head gasket.