The coolant temperature goes from normal operation temperature (before the half way line) to slightly above half (sometimes more)

Tiny
ADAM JASSEM
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 40,000 MILES
This thing has been going on for a year now, but every mechanic has told me not to worry, yet non were convincing!

What happens is that the coolant temperature goes from normal operation temperature (before the half way line) to slightly above half (sometimes more).

This happens when stopping or slowing down while the AC is off during summer nights only! It never happens when the AC is on.

so obviously it might be fan related (or is it?) And it is probably due to the fans turning on at above the half way temperature, but is it normal to reach that point? I feel that it is not, especially because my friend's Malibu never does that.

note/ my engine light has never been on and the picture shows the operating temperature of a Malibu.

Thanks in advance
Friday, October 7th, 2016 AT 9:10 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Chevrolets run at a constant 210 degrees when warm the fan does not activate until about 220 so as long as your coolant is not going down do not worry about it. It is possible that there is a vent in front to block air in grill and it does not open until you get slowed down. Is your friends Malibu the same year? May not be.
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Friday, October 7th, 2016 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
ADAM JASSEM
  • MEMBER
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My coolant does not go down, it actually goes up when warm. My friend's car is the same year with a little less mileage on it. The only difference is my car is Canadian (of it makes any difference) and I live in a warm part of the world.
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Friday, October 7th, 2016 AT 12:26 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Then I would not really worry about it if coolant stays full it does not reach hot so everything is working okay it sounds like.
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Friday, October 7th, 2016 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
ADAM JASSEM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks a lot, I will try not to worry about it.
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Friday, October 7th, 2016 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Sometimes senders might vary slightly in operation.

Sometimes it depends on the manufacturer or even the batch it came from.

I think an aftermarket sender for yours is about $30.00 swapping it out just for giggles might ease your mind.

Not knowing your environment, maybe check for any goodies accumulated on your radiator fins.

Last but not least, your gauges indicate that your trunk may be open!

Keep us posted if things change.

The Medic
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Friday, October 7th, 2016 AT 5:04 PM
Tiny
ADAM JASSEM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks man I will definitely check the sender, and post any updates.
As for the environment, well it is very dry. We have hot summers and very cold winters.

Thanks again
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Friday, October 7th, 2016 AT 9:03 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,973 POSTS
Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Monday, October 10th, 2016 AT 10:07 PM

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