1999 Buick Regal Runs hot in traffic

ALANP64

MEMBER
1999 BUICK REGAL
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

I am at a real confusing situation with this car. It runs great but it wants to run hot in traffic. Right now, the temps out are cool still so it's not a tremendous issue but I dread the typical Texas heat that will soon be here. As long as I am driving down the road the temperature gauge rests at about the 1/4 mark. When I hit traffic the temperature gauge will rise to about the halfway mark to slightly above, then the cooling fans energize and it seems to hold there. I am well aware of the upper intake manifold leak issue associated with the 3800 series II motors, but I am not losing coolant anywhere.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

The halfway point isn't a problem. If the fans kick on and it cools, that sounds normal. Has it gone into the danger zone?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 AT 6:34 AM

ALANP64

MEMBER
2 POSTS

No, it hasnt reached the red mark. It kind of makes me nervous that it runs at the 1/4 mark then jumps up to a bit over the halfway point. It's actually a loaner car from my inlaws. I cant remember where the temp gauge usually ran. It baffles me about the difference in where it rests while driving and then climbs when sitting in traffic. I would think it would be more steady towards the middle of the gauge. Seems like I remember that is where it used to run. I wondered if maybe the thermostat is sticking open a little which causes it to run cooler while moving and that it being up near the halfway point while sitting in traffic is actually normal. I know it all sounds like a goofy theory. I plan on flsuhing the coolant system this weekend just for good measure. The car has 110k miles on it so I am sure that would be prudent anyway.