GTS running hot

[splochocki]

Was sitting in traffic on my way home the other day. Looked down and my temp gauge was pegged. When I start to drive the temp returns back to normal. I'm able to get hot air and it doesn't seem to be leaking fluid. Does this scream thermostat? Thanks for the help gentlemen!

 

[WDW MKR]

Have you checked that the fans are operating correctly? I would start there.

 

[splochocki]

Haven't done anything yet. Will check that ASAP.

 

[Bugman Jeff]

Pop out the fan relays and take a look at the socket. They have a tendency to start to melt, causing the fans to stop working properly.

 

[splochocki]

So the relay contacts look a little rusty.....not bad if that's possible. Definitely isn't melted at all but the fan is not running. Subjections?

 

[Fatboy 18]

Swap the relays over to see if you can get the fan to run

 

[splochocki]

Sounds good - wasn't sure if they were different in any way. Was hoping that could be a troubleshooting step. Thanks!

 

[speedracervr4]

If you turn the A/C on the fan should come on in low speed mode.

 

[WDW MKR]

Any luck troubleshooting with the tests mentioned above? Relay swap will tell you if one is bad and A/C test will tell you if it's the temp switch. Third step would be to check with pin connections in the pigtail at the fan... some have recently found bad connections.

Also, before you put the relays back in for the last time, brush them clean and apply a little dielectric grease for protection.

 

[splochocki]

Swapped the relays the other day. Nothing really seemed to change. Turned on the A/C but fan didn't start up. Should have more time tonight and can brush off the relays as they didn't have a little crud on them. Also noticed soon as the engine is turned on the temp gauge is pegged. Thoughts on that?

 

[speedracervr4]

Check the coolant temperature connector on the drivers side head, the gauge should not be pegged. The sensor may be bad. Was the car running when you checked to see if the fan would come on with the A/C turned on?

 

[Jeffsss]

. Also noticed soon as the engine is turned on the temp gauge is pegged. Thoughts on that?

even when it's not hot?

 

[AJ02]

Check the connector close to the fan itself. Mine melted from corrosion, I guess, and caused the relays to get hot and melt connections there too. Re did the wiring inside the PDC and bought new OEM connectors for the fan. After crimping the terminals on the wires for the connectors, I also soldered them and used dielectric grease on them when I put the two connectors together. It gets a lot of heat being as it is right behind the fan.

 

[splochocki]

even when it's not hot?

Didn't leave the car running more than a minute as I didn't want to cause any harm.

 

[splochocki]

So I'm just getting around to looking at this again. The set of 4 modules on the left (only 3 filled). Can someone tell me what those control? If the module on the left goes into any other spot the car won't start. Not sure if it's a good assumption to say this module is bad? Just not exactly sure what those 3 modules control. Was going to purchase 3 new modules today and see what happens but wanted to check with you guys first.

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[SEASNAKE]

The high speed fan should come on before the temperature pegs the meter.

One of those relays is the radiator fan low/high speed relay. Another is for the starter. I can't remember what the other is for. The high speed fan side of that relay is the one that will also work for the starter. So if the low speed was working and the high speed wasn't and you switched that to the starter position, then it wouldn't work. Turning the AC on should start the high speed fan.

I don't think this is a thermostat issue. They generally don't fix themselves and driving the car wouldn't help. This does sound like the high speed fan isn't coming on though. The low speed will not keep on idling on a very hot day.

 

[SEASNAKE]

The fan itself could be bad. You can use a piece of wire to jumper across the relay socket to start the fan in low and high speed. Don't do it unless you are comfortable doing that kind of thing.

 

[AZTVR]

The set of 4 modules on the left (only 3 filled). Can someone tell me what those control?

Here is a diagram from the 1998 service manual. I'm assuming that your car has only one fan with 2 speeds. Or does it have 2 fans like some folks posting above seem to be referring to. I thought GTS's were all the later single fan.

 

[splochocki]

Having a buddy who is a mechanic try the jumper.....should have a verdict next week. Thanks for the info. My guess is fan motor or relay.

 

[splochocki]

My car has 1 fan also......

 

[scottmarston]

Having a buddy who is a mechanic try the jumper.....should have a verdict next week. Thanks for the info. My guess is fan motor or relay.

Jumpers...dangerous. Find out load from fan and use a fuse link as a jumper...

 

[Fast Viper Dan]

Start the car, let it warm up, dose the fan cycle on and off? If so, replace the temp sending unit. If the car is running hot the fan will stay on.
Cheap fix. Sounds like what happened to me a couple years ago.

 

[splochocki]

Replaced the relay today and the fan works. However the temp gauge goes to max as soon as the engine goes on. Should I run it a bit and see what happens?

 

[99 R/T 10]

Sounds like a bad temp sensor. Positioned on the head I think. Replace it first.