Engine Temp./No Heat ????

[murfthesmurph]

Well recently my intrigue (1998 111,000miles) has been giivng problems left and right. Most recently was today. I started it up and when it warmed up there heat was cold, not only that but the engine temp. gauge rose to 3/4 and slightly above. Coolant is full, but may need to be flushed. Along with this problem the low coolant light has been on after trying to solve this problem I firgued the sensor may be screwed up. Right now though my biggest concern is the engine temp. and the heat.

Any advice, I'm really getting fed up with this car,
Thanks

[BNaylor]

Sounds like the thermostat is not opening so it probably needs to be replaced. On the low coolant light you may have air in the cooling system that needs to be bled out. Also, the sensor gets crudded up and may just need removal and cleaning.

[murfthesmurph]

all right I talked to a mechanic friend who said its probably the thermostat, he also said you can just remove the thermostat. Is that a bad Idea to just remove it. If it is how much is a new thermostat and can i pick it up at autozone or something.

Also, how much does a coolant flush usually run???


Thanks

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by murfthesmurph

all right I talked to a mechanic friend who said its probably the thermostat, he also said you can just remove the thermostat. Is that a bad Idea to just remove it. If it is how much is a new thermostat and can i pick it up at autozone or something.

Also, how much does a coolant flush usually run???


Thanks

The problem is removing the thermostat in the winter is not a good idea. The engine will take longer to warm up and throw a DTC error code and SES light. Plus although the engine temperature may be OK, the heater will take a long time to give warm air/heat.

Autozone has them for under $10.00. The stock is 195 degrees.

Coolant flush can cost around $70 - $100. If you use the GM Dexcool coolant it may be more because that stuff is expensive. Around $20 per gallon. You could do the flush DIY and use coolant such as Prestone Extended Life which is compatible with Dexcool.

[murfthesmurph]

Not to be a hassel, but do you know they steps for replacing the thermostat, I want to try and do it my self, and also any steps for flushing the coolant, I just look and there "brown gunk" build up so I take it i should definately flush hit.


Thanks Again

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by murfthesmurph

Not to be a hassel, but do you know they steps for replacing the thermostat, I want to try and do it my self, and also any steps for flushing the coolant, I just look and there "brown gunk" build up so I take it i should definately flush hit.


Thanks Again

Not a problem and you are welcome. Here is the procedure if your Intrigue has the SII 3800. See link below:

http://www.pfyc.com/supportfiles/tstat/tstat.htm

Not sure about the 3.5L but I believe it is similar.

On flushing you can get a Prestone flush kit which has directions and also use Prestone Super Flush additive to loosen old stuff up before flushing.

Good luck!

[murfthesmurph]

I went and got the thermostat and the Prestone super flush, but I didnt grab a flush kit, should I do so?
Or will just the super flush suffice?

Thamks again Bnaylor, youve been extremely helpful

[murfthesmurph]

If any one knows a site or the steps for flushing radiator please let me know. Im pretty much car fix-it illiterate and need details about it all.


P.S. but i got the new Thermostat in

Thanks Again

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by murfthesmurph

I went and got the thermostat and the Prestone super flush, but I didnt grab a flush kit, should I do so?
Or will just the super flush suffice?

Thamks again Bnaylor, youve been extremely helpful

The Prestone Superflush additive just loosens up old Dexcool sludge, scaling and corrosion that may be in the cooling system. After running it the system needs to be drained and then properly flushed out to make it ready for the new coolant. I'll check for a flushing procedure.