I've been having a problem with my 03 2.2l auto cavalier. If sitting in traffic the temperature climbs above the 192-195 setpoint of the thermostat. The problem is, the fan isn't kicking on to pull air across the radiator. Once traffic gets moving and I get airflow, it comes right down to the 192-195 temperature. I verified the fan itself works by turning on the AC. The fan relay is good, swapped it with a known good one. The guage is reading properly, so I don't think I have a bad coolant temperature sensor.
Is anyone else seeing this. Also, I'm not getting a CEL, so what gives?
Yea i get the same problems.. but i dont know why it does that! I just would b sitting still n the tempature goes up!
thats normal.
unless it gets into the red i wouldnt worry
-Borsty
Its normal. The fan turns on at 220. If you folks are absolutly worried about the temp, Do the Fan override Modification. I believe you can find out how in the library.
http://members.rankmyride.com/djtorello
+++++++hey kyle and everyone who has an automatic tranny++++++++
you guys can keep your temp down by shifting into neutral in standstill traffic situations.
this will keep temp down, and more importantly wear down of engine and more importantly tranny.
the torque converter is the hottest part of the tranny, when shifting into neutral, it disengages and stops it from getting steaming hot. IT WORKS, i do it in my bros car and it even helps eliminate some of the tranny problems it gets when the temps starts to rise in traffic.
2003 Cavalier 2dr. 5spd
The air conditioner usually turns the rad. fan on regardless of the temperature in your car. The gauge indicator usually runs on a separate temperature sensor.
I have absolutely no experience with your year of car, I am just not sure that you have solved your problem yet. It sound like the temperature sensor that controls the fan is bad (if it is not tripping when it supposed to - you might want to research that as well).
My '96 Cav. 2.2L seems to run very cool traffic or no the gauge is always well away from the red.
nope its normal.. like said it turns on at 220 so its fine....
Does anyone know for sure if there are two separate temp sensors (one for fan, one for guage)? Anyone have the FSM diagram? If it is a separate sensor, I could put a resistor inline and trick it into thinking 200 is 220 for example.
Kyle Kennett wrote:Does anyone know for sure if there are two separate temp sensors (one for fan, one for guage)? Anyone have the FSM diagram? If it is a separate sensor, I could put a resistor inline and trick it into thinking 200 is 220 for example.
Is it so hard to wire in the switch as recommended, or even reading the how to in the library?
http://members.rankmyride.com/djtorello
Just figured it out! replaced the ignition switch (with a new one) and my fan turns on like it should! also the intermittant starter issue went away too! days of bashing my head against this car paid off!!
email questions to my username at gmail
I really don't ever use these forums, i bought the car for 200 and am selling it for a grand. regular forum members pass the knowledge along, because im sure others will need it.
I have the same problem, i think.
My fan will NOT kick in, no matter what the temperature reaches, i have had my car come damn close to the red when in traffic. The relays good, the fuse was blown so i replaced that and i managed to get my fan to kick in once a couple days ago when i was playing with the fuse box but i haven't heard it kick in since and it has been over heating.
my cimarron is the same way. when it goes a little past 220 the fan should kick on. then it drops the temp to below 200 aka the middle. as long as it doesnt go to red ur ok. if it does...u better hope something isnt wrong with the head gasket. lol
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3062549
My car had that same problem when I bought it, I installed an after market rad fan and is wired to the inside fuse panel also installed a failsafe 160 thermostat, car stays cool and I even notice a small gain in accel.
Proud owner: 2002 Cavalier Sedan 2200SFI LN2 4-speed auto.Slowest compact car, only designed for school and groceries.
