High Coolant Temperature

[AmberLynn]

My camaro has for the third time in the past 3 weeks given me a sporadic warning of my coolant temp being too high. It’s completely normal, then out of nowhere(no buildup) it flies all the way up to max temp. Gives me the warning, and to turn the A/C off. My A/C was off one of these times, so it can’t be that. However after about 10 seconds it goes back to completely normal. Haven’t faced this problem yet, any advice? Maybe the thermometer sensor? Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance!

[qcman]

Hi Amber it could be one of a few things. It could be low on coolant so I would get that checked first for sure. It could also be a stuck thermostat that isn't allowing the coolant to flow thru the engine.

One other possibility is that the sensor is faulty and is sending bogus info to the computer and fooling the car into thinking there is a problem.

So its hard to say for sure but I would get the coolant level checked ASAP and make sure it isn't low. Sorry I can't be more specific as its hard to say what the exact cause is from afar.

[DvKillar]

what qcman said.. drive it cold to a shop to get it checked out.

[AmberLynn]

I checked the coolant, full and ready to go.

[qcman]

Thats a good start. I would get someone to look at it instead of throwing parts at it if it were mine. You could replace the sending unit if it was sending bad info but it would just be a shot in the dark IMHO. heres a thread with a similar problem that might be worth a read?

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...gh+temperature

One other thought is make sure the electric fans are running when the AC is on. They should always be running hard with the AC going... If they aren't it would get pretty hot I would think...

[Avenging Orange]

Has the coolant been changed/flushed recently?

[Russell James]

likely culprits are...

- bad temp sensor... in head by #1 cyl. (could unplug/replug in just to be sure it has a good connection.

- blown fan fuse/stuck relay
- sticking thermostat
- big air pocket in cooling system

Being an '11, if the original coolant is still in there... I'd flush and refill. Thermostat and coolant temp sensors are so cheap and easy I'd replace both while messing with the coolant replacement.

Then to purge the air out.... start cold with rad full and cap off. Have a helper hold the throttle inside the car at 2000 rpms for 5 minutes. Person outside the car watches the radiator and tops off as needed. When the rad coolant starts rushing like crazy the thermostat just opened. When it starts to overflow...cap the radiator. Set the overflow bottle at the full/cold mark.

That's what I'd do if it needs new coolant anyway.... shotgun it with a new thermostat, temp sensor and a good air pocket purging of the radiator.

Also make sure the fans are coming on... drive a good distance then let idle sitting still... fans should come on high and cycle on/off.

[Olddudesrule]

Great advice from RJ^. Those are the most likely culprits. Depending on your shade tree mechanic skills, you can may be able to handle all those yourself, or maybe your boyfriend/husband. Like RJ pointed out, if the coolant is original, changing it is proactive and a no-brainer. Once it's out, pop that thermostat out, put it in a pot of water, heat it up and see if it opens properly. If it's original, it's so cheap to replace, might just do that off the bat, but it's good to see if the old on is functioning or not to help diagnose the problem. If you remove any electrical connection, like the coolant temp sensor, throw a dab of dielectric grease in there when reconnect.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

[gringo]

Sounds like a big air pocket or a lazy thermostat. Do the maintenance items first.
Change the coolant and bleed the system. Then, see what it does. Make sure to check your hoses too!

[JOURDAN]

Originally Posted by AmberLynn

I checked the coolant, full and ready to go.

Where did you check the coolant?

If you just checked the reservoir, it maybe the radiator is still very low.

[chuckie669]

If you've never seen before a radiator funnel is a wonderful til that allows you to fill up with coolant and run the car. Then you can just let it idle and see when the tstat opens. Plug the funnel and remove dumping remainder easily back in the coolant bottle.

Looks like this

[Olddudesrule]

Nice! Gotta get one of those. A lot less messy.....

[CamaroFred]

Originally Posted by AmberLynn

My camaro has for the third time in the past 3 weeks given me a sporadic warning of my coolant temp being too high. It’s completely normal, then out of nowhere(no buildup) it flies all the way up to max temp. Gives me the warning, and to turn the A/C off. My A/C was off one of these times, so it can’t be that. However after about 10 seconds it goes back to completely normal. Haven’t faced this problem yet, any advice? Maybe the thermometer sensor? Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance!

Overfill the reservoir (1/2 gallon of Dex-Cool mix) and heat cycle the motor a few times.

You might smell coolant during the first few burpings

[Rock-It Man]

Originally Posted by CamaroFred

Overfill the reservoir (1/2 gallon of Dex-Cool mix) and heat cycle the motor a few times.

You might smell coolant during the first few burpings

No, you need to check the level in the radiator itself by taking off the cap when the cooling system is cold.