1996 Grand AM Temp Issue

Hi,
I am having issues (I think) in regards to the car temp gauge going to 3/4 mark almost too hot. Before I am asked, yes the fan works when the a.c. is on. I took the car to the mech and had the water pump (leaking), thermostat and coolant changed (dex). However it is still going above the 1/2 mark. When driving on the highway, the indicator goes below the 1/2 point. Is it a sensor problem? If so, where can I find this sensor? I have the 3.1 engine. I have not let it go past the solid white line on the gauge fearing damage to the engine. How do I read the temp gauge on the car panel? I have posted a link to the gauge image showing a line to where the temp is reading. Sorry for the noob questions.

http://www.cruz-network.net/images/temp1.jpg

Reading the gauge, the first solid line is 100 and the last solid line is 260.
What is the temp indications on the other solid white lines?

Ok, since I have not received no response on this. Those who own the 96 grandam, can you take a look the url above and let me know if this is the same temp setting you get.

Thanks

I have a 97 with the 3.1 and the temp gauge for me runs at 3/4 all the time it has for the last 3 years and 40,000 miles. The needle sits right over the top of the thermometer picture

Mine runs just a little bit colder than that. I have the 2.4L. It runs like half way through the little thermometer pic.

Thanks!

Hi,
I have a 97 grand am gt (130,000 mi)and am having the same problem. Whenever I am on the highway or above 60mph the gauge is just above normal. Any slower and especialy with the ac on it shoots up. If I happen to be in traffic it goes all the way to the last solid line before red. My mech said that the coolant I replaced was fine and if the thermostat was the issue it would red line. He suggested that the radiator may be clooged. I am going for a second opinion this week.

Let you know

MP

Ok, I have a 2001 Grand Am 3.4 V6. It has an aluminum engine...That's the reason mine overheats sometimes...Sitting at red lights too long...Sitting in park too long...Things like that. That may be your problem too. Just a guess. If I were you, I'd just turn my heater on and flip it to vent. It'll suck the hot air into the car, and it'll cool the car down. It cools mine down about 3 or 4 marks usually.

Grand Am's like to run hot but sounds like radiator is clogged or the temp sensor is past it's prime. Maybe it's normal for temps like that but I haven't seen many cars that normally run that hot.

I use to have the same overheat problem (97 3.1) it was a clogged radiator. I changed it and its been running cool ever since