2000 Holden Commodore persistant overheating

Tiny
ANGELA MASSOUD
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 HOLDEN COMMODORE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
I am not a mechanic, just a housewife frustrated with a car that keeps beeping at her, and looking for help. My car continues to indicate that it is heating up. The temperature gauge just goes up and down, not erratically, and seems to be in tune with something kicking in and out in the engine. A fan perhaps? We have taken it to a mechanic over and over again and have spent a fortune fixing things that aren't the problem. Most recently the temp reader itself.I have found that when it is on high and stays there for more than 5 seconds, turning on the air con actually brings it back down. My thoughts are that this sucks fresh air into the engine forcing out the overheated air. It is definitely heating up because if the ac is on prior to the overheat, once it hits high the air coming thru the vents is warm. My husband thinks it may be electrical, ie a message to switch on a fan to cool the engine is not always being received, so our next trip is to the auto electrician. I am not entirely convinced. Any ideas?
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 AT 8:59 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,
This is sounding like the cooling fan is not kicking in at the correct temp, I would also suggest that the thermostat be replaced and the radiator be cleaned and professionally flow tested by a radiator shop, I would visit the auto elec as they will be able to check the cooling fan circuit, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
ANGELA MASSOUD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks so much for your help Mark. Altho now I have to admit to my husband, who knows nothing about cars, that he may have a point. Have a good day!

Ange
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 AT 9:30 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
OK, good, the system is not very complex, so I feel that there will be a faulty sensor if the fan is in op, a good elec will sort this out quickly. Let me know if you need more assistance with this.

Mark.
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Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 AT 9:36 PM

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