2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Coolant Flushed and now engine runn

SAVEMYAUTO

MEMBER
2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
39,000 MILES

I went today to have my coolant flushed and refilled before winter. Immediately after having this done I noticed my car temp running above what it normally does and then it would go up and down and up down and so on. I went back to the mechanic who tried telling me that this was normal for pontiacs, that they never maintain a steady reading on the temp gauge. After arguing with him I left with no solution. I called another mechanic who told me that the original mechanic made an error in not bleeding air from the system. Does this sound right? I checked and im not leaking antifreeze and I added some more but it didnt really help.

Monday, December 15th, 2008 AT 11:23 PM

3 Replies

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Yes, it does sound like you have air in your system. I would also change my radiator cap. But based on what you said, it is air in the system.

I have attached a pic. . .. . ..the red arrow shows the bleed screw. You run the engine and open this screw until steady coolant runs out. I would then wait. . ...then do it again. Heater on high and do this several times.

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Monday, December 15th, 2008 AT 11:48 PM

SAVEMYAUTO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your answer.I dont really know too much about cars so I think ill leave the bleeding to a mechanic, however, if I keep driving it will that eventually force the air out?

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Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 AT 12:15 AM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Well SaveMyAuto

I understand not knowing too much about cars. . .. . .. . ...but I have confidence in you on this one. You could send a pic so I could make sure what you have and what I think you have is the same.

May get a little messy. . .. . .. . ...you might consider standing watching the mech do it. Me, I wouldn't go back to the person that said they fluctuate. . .. . .

I will eventually over time. . .. . .. . .maybe a long time. . .. . .. . .. . .but the problem is as the temp searches for where it needs to be. . .. . .all the different sensors are running rabbits all over the place trying to get stable. . .. . .. . .

Is the car hot. . ...is the car cold. . .. . .is it just right. . .. . ...more gas. . ...less air. . ...more air. . ..less gas. . .. . ...so you want to get that out. . .. . .. . .plus your heater may not work very well.

Again, I truly don't mind going over the bleed with you. . .. . .. . .. . .just let me know. . ..you do what is comfortable for you and I will do what I can to assist.

Looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.