2000 Pontiac Sunfire Things are getting hot.

IRISHSPRING

MEMBER
2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
97,000 MILES

I have a 2000 Sunfire SE and within the last month I've noticed it's running hotter than normal. Normally, without fail it runs exactly the same. If I have to sit at a light for a while it goes up ten to twenty more degrees than it normally does. I recently had a full service oil change to see if that would remedy the problem and it has not. What could it be and should I be concerned?

1 Reply

JSKELLY4693

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Usually Full Service oil changes don't include coolant flushes.
I would check the coolant, make sure it's full, that it's the right color (should be a bright yellow /green, maybe reddish if it's still factory coolant. If it's discolored, looks brown, like the color or rust, then flush the system), make sure it's still good (you can purchase a tester from your local auto parts store for under $5.00.

If you notice it's low, this might be a good indication that you may have a leak. Make sure you check all your hoses for sings of bubbling, cracks, or other problems.

That'd be the first thing I would check. If the coolant is full, and test fine, then I would change the thermostat.

For changing the thermostat or doing a coolant flush, you may need to get a repair book from your local auto parts. Or look down below, you will see a nice handy link for Pontiac Sunfire Repair manuals! It all depends on your level of expertise with engines.

Thermostats are usually pretty cheat, and are pretty easy to change.