1999 Chevy Camaro 99 Camaro - Runs hot in traffic, at idle

99CAMARO

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET CAMARO
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
112,500 MILES

Hi all,

I'm the only owner / driver of my '99 Chevrolet Camaro. 5-speed transmission, V6, 112,500 miles.

Recently, my temperature gauge shows I'm running hot when sitting in traffic, at idle anytime and at long red lights. This is even in cold weather. It is worse in hot weather. I should add that the temp registers fine at highway driving. Also, I smell a burning-type odor inside the car if the vent or A/C is on. I don't smell it outside the car or under the hood. The radiator has been recently flushed and is in good working order. The alternator is new. The oil is consistently changed every 3,000 miles. New plugs. Clutch replaced at 85K miles (but it does 'stick' some - I use my left foot to lift it up if necessary). Everything is stock. It's never had any major breakdowns, just the basic wear and tear.

Someone suggested I replace the fan clutch. Another suggested it was an electric cooling fan. How do I know which it is? The mechanic that diagnosed the fan clutch said $600. That seems totally insane? Maybe not, but I'm skeptical when it's high dollar and I'm a lady by myself at a shop.

Any recommendations / suggestions? Thanks for reading.

1 Reply

MUSTANG87

MECHANIC
261 POSTS

Hello, first thing is make sure the fans are working they r electric and I think it uses 2 fans if im correct. Easy to chek them.>>>Open your hood, turn on your car and put the air conditioner on- on high cold then just go and see if fans are on if they dont turn on fast just wait a couple mins if they dont turn on possibly bad fan fans or temperature switch. Most times fans r to blame. Also important to change the thermostat. Fans start at around 29 bucks and up at kragen. Make sure your not losing water somewhere in the system hoses etc. For your clutch sticking check the oil level in clutch master cylinder maybe its to low. Or maybe its starting to go down the grave but hopefully just needs oil. Clutch master cylinder is not the brakes master cylinder although uses the same kind of oil dot 3 brake fluid. Clutch master is close or around same area brake master is. Chek the fluid level hopefully just needs some and not need new master. Hopefully you havent over heat the motor or it can damage the head gaskets. Yes and watch out for mechanics most of them are wolfs and will try to tear you down specially if your a woman.600 dollars for fans motor and work is so freaken high. Motors start at round 29 bucks. Theses mechanics r trying to ripp u off go look around for othes and tell them that motors r not that expensive and work is to easy also. Go here and check out some prices www. Kragen. Com good luck. Pm me if u have qstion