Hi Everyone,
Last night I took my vette out for a ride and after sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I noticed my coolant gauge heating up. I have never seen it go past 210 and last night it went up to 240. Once traffic starting moving and I got back to a normal speed the temp quickly went back to 200. When I got home, I checked the coolant level and it was very low. Since I just had the oil changed about 10 days ago, I was not pleased, as I expect all fluid levels to be checked at that time. I couldn't believe how much coolant mixture it took - 2/3 of a gallon . . . YIKES. Well, I took her out for a ride tonight and everything seemed fine, until I letthe engineidle in the driveway. Once again, the coolant temp started to rise. I watched it go from 205 to 220 in less than 5 minutes. Is that normal? Does anyone know what normal ranges are for a '04 C5? Mind you, I did not have the air conditioner on and outside temps are about 65 degrees.

I've had my vette for not quite a year and never noticed a change in the temp gauge while idling, but maybe I just didn't notice. Any suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Take care, stay safe.
RJ

 

I'm not familiar with the electronics that control a lot of systems, so all I cancomment onare the old standards. Fluid level, thermostat, and debris in the radiator cooling fins, these are common places to look for causes of cooling probs. If it were the waterpump, you should see some leakage.

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply. If I hear these temps are not within a normal range, I will be going back to the dealership. Maybe it is the thermostat, fan, or a fuse.

Thanks again.
RJ

 

I dunno for sure, Rita, but 240 is starting to sound warm to me. I'd head back to that dealership there, and talk to them about that... you don't want to overheat your car, that's for sure, my friend.

Ours did the exact same thing twice since we got it. First time, the fan relay was shot. Second time, the actual fan motor itself had burnt out. When driving the car, the temps were absolutely fine, but as soon as you stopped and idled, she started to climb alarmingly..... definately, get that checked out.

 

Thanks, T.S. -
That is where it is right now. Will let the Forum know how it turns out.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Take care, stay safe.
Rita

 

Cool beans, Rita! Let us know how it all turns out, my friend. Best wishes from your Hoser friends here in Canada!

 

Haven't sent the 2nd email we discussed . . . can't say why.
Guess, I am afraid of what I might hear back. Will try to get something off tonight or tomorrow.

Stayed tuned.

Best wishes back to you and yours from sunny San Diego.

 

No need to explain at all, Rita. I completely understand. I do have to say thank you for what you've done so far, Rita, you are one of those "true blue" people we all are honored to be able to call friend, that's for sure.

Thank ye kindly!! Send some of that sunshine up here! I take it C.O.D., if need be!

 

>> you are one of those "true blue" people we all are honored to be able to call friend, that's for sure. <<

Yup, same here!
I feel blessed to have met such a fine group.

BTW -
Got my ride back from the dealership and they said everything is working just fine. They even gave me aservice information sheet that describes how the cooling system operates. Seems the low speed cooling fan doesn't turn on until the coolant temp reaches 226F, and turns off at 219F. The high speed cooling fan turns on when the coolant temp reaches 235F, and turns off at 226F.

Well, if someone would have told me that over the phone, I never would have brought it in. Guess they just wanted the money they make on warranty work..
Oh, well, glad she is back in the barn.

Now to get her clean and smelling good again. I swear, the inside of my vette smells like a greasy mechanic. My husband said I am hallucinating. (He is a real funny guy, huh?!?)

Take care, stay safe.
Rita

 

if temp rising bugs you just turn on your a/c which turns on coolling fans( or should ) if fans dont run with a/c on you may have relay bad anytime any car sits still with no air movin over radiator they will have temp rise