Radiator fan

GRANDPRIX96

MEMBER
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

I have a 96 Pontiac Grand Prix SE w/150,000 miles. I just had the radiator flushed and noticed that the temperature gauge fluctuates when I drive. The temp goes up when I'm stopped but when I start driving it goes back down. It's never overheated, but gets to about 210 or a little above.
Someone told me the fan should kick in when it gets to a certain temp. Is that true? Any other suggestions.

4 Replies

LILWILLS

MEMBER
49 POSTS

Yeah have the fan tested

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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 AT 6:41 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Try the temperature switch/fan relay and the Stat.

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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 AT 8:23 PM

MCFERRANCE

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100 POSTS

This may be acting normal and now that the flush has cleaned the sensor, the sensor is more sensitive in controlling the guage.

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Friday, April 6th, 2007 AT 3:11 PM

MCFERRANCE

MEMBER
100 POSTS

To clarify this more:

The thermostat doesn't open until the temperature reaches about 200-210 degrees with a properly working radiator pressure cap. Once it does open, cooler coolant enters into the engine thus making the guage drop typically about 10-30 degrees depending on the outside air temperature.
This is why I say it may be working correctly.
If I watch my own guage closely, I can tell when the thermostat opens and closes.

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Friday, April 6th, 2007 AT 4:16 PM