Temp Rises at Idle?

[DR.NT]

Greets,

I have a 2002 Buick Century with 116kms, I find that if I am sitting at idle for a long period of time (drive thru etc) The temp gaguge rises quite a bit, it dont get into the High Range but it goes go up a few notches.

Any idea what could be causing this? I had the rad flushed a few months sgo and its topped up,



-NT

[Focus]

If it didn't past the "12 o'clock" mark, you're fine.

[BartBandy]

Any idea what could be causing this?

Internal combustion.

[ChiGGz]

It's normal. Since the car is idle and not moving there's no air rushing past the radiator to cool it down. As long as the fan kicks in you're safe. If temperature rises while you're driving, that would be reason for alarm.

[B0000rt]

There might be air pockets in your car.

Try this next time, when idling at the light, put her in neutral, and do a fast idle around 2000rpm, and see if the temps slowly drop or not.

If there's air, you may just see it drop while doing that fast idle. There's usually a small valve ontop of you water pump that releases air on the top of the system.

[Pete_Coach]

Did this just start?
First things first, check fluid level.
Does the fan kick in? If it does, does the temp go down?
Does the temp go down as you increase speed?
Does the temp go down if you put the heat on full? Do this while stationary. (directs the flow through the heater core)

[Sonbuster]

check your water pump

[DR.NT]

I have noticed the temp rise as soon as the weather as got nicer out,

It does go past the 12 o'clock mark on the guage, I assume the fan is coming on, though I have never heard it? How can I check this?

I have put the car heat/defrost on high and that lowers the temp. Once you start going it lowers as well, this happens once is a while, not a everyday thing


-NT

[Mcp]

Does your can have an electric fan?? Perhaps is is not running/running fast enough ????

When you are moving fan is not required as air flows through the rad.. when you stop the fan should start up....

[DR.NT]

I opened up the valve on top of the water pump like boort said and nothing came out, I opened up the fuse box under the hood and there are 2 relays 2 big fuses and 2 small ones for the cooling fan

Not sure if one of them are bad, Can you just pull them out and check?



-NT

[Mcp]

Just look to see if the fan is running when the car is hot...

[astroboi]

Best way to check the fuses would be with multi-meter using the continuity setting. Otherwise you should be able to see if the fuse has blown by simply looking closely.

[DR.NT]

I ran it in the driveway for a bit, the temp went up past the 12 o clock mark, then the fan came on and cooled it down to right in the middle and shut off.


now that the fan has been ruled out, what else could be causing it to heat up at idle?




-NT

[Mcp]

Could be your thermostat needs replacing....

If its not getting close to overheating I wouldnt worry too much about it....

[Pete_Coach]

Best way to check the fuses would be with multi-meter using the continuity setting. Otherwise you should be able to see if the fuse has blown by simply looking closely.

There is no "continuity" setting on a multimeter. Ohms, volts and amps is what it can measure.

Check the fluid. In the newer systems, there is an overflow tank. It looks like the windshield...never mind. Look here,:
http://www.aolshowme.co.uk/show-me-m...coolant-levels
A caution here DO NOT open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. You will get boiling hot water all over you. The radiator and cooling system is a pressurized system (about 2.5 PSI) and will will blow out all over you.