Temp gage spiking, then rapidly dropping, and intermittent window problem

[Jimmy96]

Hello. I'm a new member and this is my first post.

Over the last couple of days when starting up my 2 wheel drive 96 Jimmy and hitting the freeway, within a few miles I've noticed the "check gage" light flickering on. I then noticed my temp gage is all the way over to the highest setting.

Both times I've noticed this, I took my foot off the gas, and then the gage "rapidly" drops down to the normal temp level. Doesn't seem to repeat (the problem) during the remainder of the trip.

I've also noticed an ever so slight chirping coming from under the hood (roommate noticed it as I pulled into the driveway… I don't hear it from within the Jimmy). It "might" be coming from the component that is located at the highest point near the front of the engine compartment, and that is ran by the serpentine belt (and I changed the belt within the past year).

Is this likely just a stuck thermostat? I don't think it’s a failing water pump (but I'm not sure), as it seems to run at the normal temp after the initial heart attack and the gage rapidly dropping to the normal level. Any suggestions?

If it were the thermostat problem, is this something I could likely replace on my own? Any tips on how to do this?

I've also had a very intermittent problem with the front drivers side power window. Around once or twice a year, I'll try to roll it up, but nothing. Usually after a minute or two, it rolls up at normal speed. This happens so infrequently that its something I've lived with, but since I've found a Jimmy forum, anybody else have this window problem?

Looking forward to your replies, and thanks.

[BlazerLT]

1.) install a new stant rad cap.

2.) Check your coolant level.

3.) Get the codes scanned for free at autozone.

4.) You mixed the green with the orange coolant by mistake?

[Jimmy96]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

1.) install a new stant rad cap.

2.) Check your coolant level.

3.) Get the codes scanned for free at autozone.

4.) You mixed the green with the orange coolant by mistake?

Thanks BlazerLT

[JimmySLS]

I have a 97 Jimmy and the temperature spike I had that I replaced the temperature sensor..As for the intermitten window problem I found out that if you switch the control(the one above the window switch) to lock then unlock the window will go up..I was told to fix the problem replace the window control switch....

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by Jimmy96

Thanks BlazerLT

HAve you mixed green with the orange lately?

[Jimmy96]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

HAve you mixed green with the orange lately?

Hi BlazerLT.
I came back to the forum to check in about the temp problem and saw your old post. Sorry I didn't reply before now.

I'm not sure if any green was mixed with the orange over the years. I usually took my Jimmy to a mechanic when it needed work, and I can't know for sure if someone might have slipped up along the line.

What happens when the green and orange are mixed? What's the solution if that happens?

Just in the way of a follow up, here is what's been going on with the temp problem.

I mentioned the problem to a guy at Jiffy Lube when I was getting the oil changed. He looked under the radiator cap, and it was pretty gunked up inside (does that happen when orange and green are mixed?). So I had them flush the engine. That seemed to do the trick and for a while I no longer had the problem of the temp spiking.

But that problem started coming back a week or two ago. Yesterday I changed the thermostat on the Jimmy. I just drove it this morning, but it still spiked (the temp) then eventually swiftly dropped down to normal operating temp.

So, I'm actually still at a loss as to what is the problem and what to try next. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[BlazerLT]

Did you install a new rad cap yet?

Don't install anything from AC Delco.

[Houstonfuzz]

Not only the temperature sensor. If you are losing coolant, check where heater hose hooks up with the right side, (sitting in the vehicle), of the intake manifold. Just above the right valve cover towards the front of the engine is a potmetal or aluminum fitting that usually corrodes and breaks off requiring thread cleaning and a new fitting. Good Luck!

[Houstonfuzz]

One bolt will remove the serpentine belt idler/adjuster pulley. Then you can check for slack in the pulley bearing. Good Luck!

[cutlasskenny]

What happens if/when the green and orange antifreeze are mixed? just curious

[rlith]

Originally Posted by cutlasskenny

What happens if/when the green and orange antifreeze are mixed? just curious

It gels up then clogs the cooling system.