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My 2004 Buick Rendezvouz is running hot but only when i'm stuck in traffic or at a red light. I have checked my fans they work. So I have no clue what it might be. The engine however is not hot when I touch it, neither is the radiator cap. Shouldn't they be hot if my car is running hot? I have no clue.. Need HELP!!
My 2004 Buick Rendezvouz is running hot but only when i'm stuck in traffic or at a red light. I have checked my fans they work. So I have no clue what it might be. The engine however is not hot when I touch it, neither is the radiator cap. Shouldn't they be hot if my car is running hot? I have no clue.. Need HELP!!
How do you know it's running hot? Dash light on or temperature gauge in red zone?
Not the best description I've ever heard, but if your engine feels cool to the touch and the temperature gauge creeps into the red, then first suspects would be either a faulty gauge/sender, thermostat jammed closed, a blockage somewhere in the cooling system, or maybe an airlock.
Afraid you're going to have to bite the bullet and take it to a mechanic to have it diagnosed, gonna be impossible to diagnose over the internet.
Not the best description I've ever heard, but if your engine feels cool to the touch and the temperature gauge creeps into the red, then first suspects would be either a faulty gauge/sender, thermostat jammed closed, a blockage somewhere in the cooling system, or maybe an airlock.
Afraid you're going to have to bite the bullet and take it to a mechanic to have it diagnosed, gonna be impossible to diagnose over the internet.
Yes, sounds like a stuck thermostat to me too. We both know that if a thermostat sticks closed, coolant can't circulate and the radiator will feel cool to the touch, most times, but if the engine gets too hot, the radiator would be boiling, and usually thumping sound.
you're correct, problems with cars are hard to diagnose over the internet.
good post by you
If it's just that the needle in the gauge is moving around, then don't worry about it. The gauges are very loosely calibrated and are basically nothing more then "idiot lights". Unless the gauge pegs out into the red, or you get an overheat warning light, some oscillation of the gauge is normal.
If the gauge is swinging wildly then you most likely have an issue with the gauge or sending unit itself. You can't completely rule out a sticking thermostat, especially at the age of your vehicle, so that may be something you might want to change out just for peace of mind.
Not sure how long you have owned this car, or if you've ever had a car with a temp gauge, but I will say this. Cars newer than around 1985, or cars that rely solely on electric fans from the manufacture are meant to run at 225*. Most cars these days will have a running range of 215*-230* with some cars having a gauge that can be off by 5 to 10*. If the engine feels cold, and has run for a short time, this coils mean two things. Coolant not circulating or coolant not present. By all means, DO NOT REMOVE THE CAP if the engine has had enough time to warm up. The rad could be cold, but the water in the block could be super heated and the release of the pressure could cause the water to boil immediately and blow out all over you causing severe burns!
If it were the thermostat it would overheat all the time, not just in traffic.
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