I just bought a 1998, and I love it! This is my first vet, and I can trully say that I am hooked! Having never owned a vet, I have several questions. I have read that the engine temps generally run higer than other vehicles however I do not know what is normal. under normal driving conditions it will run anware from 214 to 220. If I sit for any lenghth of time (bank drive thru etc) the temp will jump to around 230 never over 235. All of this is taken from the gauge and digital read out. Once I pull out from being stopped the temp will go back down, however will contimue to run over 220. I have no problems with this car, it is in great shape. I believe these temps to be normal, I just want to be sure. Living in Texas, I worry about July and August when the air outside is in the 100s.

 

welcome to the forum! ive got a 98 myself so i know whats happenin & its pretty normal to cool it down just turn on your a/c that switches on both cooling fans if you are to cold simply adjust a/c temp setting good luck with the car

 

I'd keep an eye on it, but that doesn't sound too bad. I *believe* if it starts to get over 240*, that's when you worry....

 

I had sort of the same problem on my 2000 but mine was running a little hotter. In town driving dealing with multible stoplights ect. it would get up to 240+. I wrote into the forum and got some good feedback from some of the knologeable guys like Lee and Super Dave. The fans were working fine. Turned out the front of my radiator looked like someone glued one of those grass welcome mats to the front of it. Had the rad pulled and cleaned and problem solved. You may want to stick your head underneath and scope out the front or yours. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the responses, I will keep an eye on it but I believe that there is no problem, I think its me just not being used to this car.
The coolant levels and mix are correct, the hoses are in good shape. The radiator is clean, and the air cleaner is new. Both fans work, and come on during a long idle.