Random Overheating

Blaiser17 · 06-09-2008, 12:59 PM

Ok so I have a 2000 Cougar 2.5L.

The last couple days it has been rising up to the red in the temp gauge when at idle. As soon as I start moving the gauge makes its way back to half way where it's supposed to be. But if left at idle it'll warm up gradually.

I don't let it stay in the red don't worry.

I know what the possible elements could be: water pump, coolant temp sensor, water pump belt, and thermostat.

I was hoping that someone would be able to lean me towards one of them since it only does this at idle.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks!

wadespencer99 · 06-09-2008, 01:02 PM

It could be a bad sensor, but I'm guessing the stock waterpump has gone bad, or thermostat is stuck.

Blaiser17 · 06-09-2008, 01:18 PM

Ok I threw my computer on it. I'm getting a code for my cam shaft sensor indicating it's gone bad. P0340. Could this cause the issue or is this a separate issue?

Nemesis · 06-09-2008, 02:21 PM

I highly doubt that would be the issue, get a tester for your fluid, a good flush and fill may be in order. Just be sure to turn your heater on high to get all the old fluid out. CEG has good how -tos for all of this I remember.

Blaiser17 · 06-09-2008, 05:03 PM

I'm going down to flush it now. I put it in diagnostic mode, and it overheats at 248 degrees, so it is in fact overheating its not just the gauge.

Part of the issue may be that the fans are not kicking on. Shouldn't they kick on around 220 degrees? Neither is coming on. I'll check the plugs on them, but let me know if you have any ideas.

Thanks.

Blaiser17 · 06-09-2008, 06:39 PM

Problem solved.

Before I got all down into the nitty gritty I decided to run over a few things.
I let the car warm up till 225, and waited once again for the fan to turn on.
It didn't. Ended up I was looking at the wrong fuse layout. I printed one out that I found on here in some post, and lo and behold the engine fan fuse was blown. Ran down to Advanced got a new 60 Amp fuse, and now the fan kicks on when the engine reaches 225 degrees exactly, and keeps her cool. Moral of the story is check your basics twice before you do anything crazy like replacing your water pump, thermostat, etc.

Thanks for the help guys!

skater · 06-09-2008, 06:48 PM

Is a 60 amp fuse what is actually called for there?

Blaiser17 · 06-09-2008, 07:26 PM

Yup yup

Least thats what it says on the underside of the lid for the fuse box.

06-09-2008, 12:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Blaiser17 NECO Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 12	Random Overheating Ok so I have a 2000 Cougar 2.5L. The last couple days it has been rising up to the red in the temp gauge when at idle. As soon as I start moving the gauge makes its way back to half way where it's supposed to be. But if left at idle it'll warm up gradually. I don't let it stay in the red don't worry. I know what the possible elements could be: water pump, coolant temp sensor, water pump belt, and thermostat. I was hoping that someone would be able to lean me towards one of them since it only does this at idle. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

06-09-2008, 01:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
wadespencer99 www.cagerattle.com Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Wellsboro, Pa Posts: 13,101 Images: 6 Blog Entries: 2	Re: Random Overheating It could be a bad sensor, but I'm guessing the stock waterpump has gone bad, or thermostat is stuck. __________________ CFX 1st Place Mild ------------------------------------------------------------

06-09-2008, 01:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
Blaiser17 NECO Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 12	Re: Random Overheating Ok I threw my computer on it. I'm getting a code for my cam shaft sensor indicating it's gone bad. P0340. Could this cause the issue or is this a separate issue?

06-09-2008, 02:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nemesis ground pounding.. Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Around the corner where fudge is made Posts: 9,430	Re: Random Overheating I highly doubt that would be the issue, get a tester for your fluid, a good flush and fill may be in order. Just be sure to turn your heater on high to get all the old fluid out. CEG has good how -tos for all of this I remember. __________________ Win a $350 MasterCard Gift Card-RAFFLE!!!! UPDATED NECObash INFO 8/5: DATES ARE SET, CHECK THE BASH FORUM

06-09-2008, 05:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
Blaiser17 NECO Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 12	Re: Random Overheating I'm going down to flush it now. I put it in diagnostic mode, and it overheats at 248 degrees, so it is in fact overheating its not just the gauge. Part of the issue may be that the fans are not kicking on. Shouldn't they kick on around 220 degrees? Neither is coming on. I'll check the plugs on them, but let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks.

06-09-2008, 06:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
Blaiser17 NECO Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 12	Re: Random Overheating Problem solved. Before I got all down into the nitty gritty I decided to run over a few things. I let the car warm up till 225, and waited once again for the fan to turn on. It didn't. Ended up I was looking at the wrong fuse layout. I printed one out that I found on here in some post, and lo and behold the engine fan fuse was blown. Ran down to Advanced got a new 60 Amp fuse, and now the fan kicks on when the engine reaches 225 degrees exactly, and keeps her cool. Moral of the story is check your basics twice before you do anything crazy like replacing your water pump, thermostat, etc. Thanks for the help guys!

06-09-2008, 06:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
skater Capital Curmudgeon Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 6,223 Images: 3 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Random Overheating Is a 60 amp fuse what is actually called for there? __________________ 1999 Cougar, Laser Red, 2.5L V6, MTX / 2004 Impala, Superior Blue, 3.4L V6, ATX / 1991 Airstream B190 7.5L V8

06-09-2008, 07:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
Blaiser17 NECO Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 12	Re: Random Overheating Yup yup Least thats what it says on the underside of the lid for the fuse box. Last edited by Blaiser17; 06-09-2008 at 07:29 PM. Reason: More info

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