2001 Grand Am - getting hot only at idle

howsz
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:32 pm

2001 pontaic grand am cooling fans

Unread post by howsz » Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:43 pm

front raditor fans run all the times. pulling one of the two relays for fans out at the fuse box will stop one or both.
have replaced thermostat and the temp sensor right by it, because we had no heat in cabin, now we do and the gauge will go up to 200 degrees. also right now we do have a check engine light for evaportive canstier lsystem eak
any ideas ?

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ProTech
Posts: 651
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:08 am

Re: 2001 pontaic grand am cooling fans

Unread post by ProTech » Sun Jan 20, 2013 8:31 pm

The fans will run all the time usually when there is a problem with the thermostat or temp sensor. It does this because the computer can't tell if the engine is running hot or not so it runs the fans just in case. Usually replacing one or both (t-stat or sensor) will correct this problem. If a code had set due to this problem, it needs to be cleared before everything will go back to normal. Usually this code is a P0128. If you do not currently have that code set as current or history, you're going to have start looking elsewhere for the problem keeping your fans on, such as a short in the wiring, or a computer issue.

As for the EVAP code, you don't mention which code it is, but the most common thing to go out is the canister vent solenoid. This is easily replaced, and is located behind the left rear wheel, up behind the wheelhouse trim. Of course, you should make sure that's the problem before replacing any parts.
GM Dealer Technician For 18+ Years
In the automotive industry for 20+

Sprowler
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2015 8:44 am

2001 Grand Am - getting hot only at idle

Unread post by Sprowler » Wed Dec 02, 2015 8:47 am

Just changed the head gasket on the car. 3.4, ran fine, actually great for a few days, now when I am in idle, the temp will go up to 240 then back down as i drive...fan does kick on.

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carriedi
Posts: 2573
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 12:42 pm

Re: 2001 Grand Am - getting hot only at idle

Unread post by carriedi » Wed Dec 02, 2015 11:55 am

you should use a scanner and watch the engine temp and the coolant fan (or fans) for their operation. see if the fan comes on at the right temp and also look to see if the high fan comes on if the low fan is unable to bring the temp down. If the engine temp comes down to normal while driving and the fans come on at the right temperature I would look at the circulation for a problem. Since the only thing that changes when you are driving is the water pump speed and air being forced through the radiator.

Try letting the engine get hot at idle like you say it does (duplicate the conditions as it happens when you drive and come to a stop) When the temperature gets higher than normal (don't let it get all the way to over heat but let it get hot) put the trans in neutral or park and rev the rpm's up to 2000. Does the temperature go down?

if the temp goes down then I would look at a radiator that may be getting plugged up or a water pump not pushing enough coolant.
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Re: 2001 Grand Am - getting hot only at idle

Unread post by Guest » Mon Jun 06, 2016 10:54 pm

The cooling system on the 3.4 has a "burping valve" you more than likely have air trapped in your system. The valve is located on the top of the engine. Follow the radiator hose that goes along the top of the engine. you will locate the valve on the engine end of the hose

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