Engine won't warm up

[mike081590]

I have 2001 chevy malibu with almost 200000 miles on it yesterday as I was driving with 15 degree temp outside engine won't warm up even after 50 miles haigh way driving then when I got off the highway low collant light flashed few times collant was low I added some collant then this morning drove 50 miles again engine temp won't go pass 140 degree so I don't get enough heat to stay warm. when car i Idle it reaches 180 degree temp.
by the way I have added coolant 3 times in last 10 days. Do I have thermostat stuck open? anyone with an opnion.
thanks
Mike

[Robertwav1]

Originally Posted by mike081590

I have 2001 chevy malibu with almost 200000 miles on it yesterday as I was driving with 15 degree temp outside engine won't warm up even after 50 miles haigh way driving then when I got off the highway low collant light flashed few times collant was low I added some collant then this morning drove 50 miles again engine temp won't go pass 140 degree so I don't get enough heat to stay warm. when car i Idle it reaches 180 degree temp.
by the way I have added coolant 3 times in last 10 days. Do I have thermostat stuck open? anyone with an opnion.
thanks
Mike

Hey Mike,
Thermostat sounds like it stuck. Also don't like the fact your adding coolant. It's going somewhere. Take notice of your exhaust...is it showing signs of more then normal condensate in the form of steam? Could be a blown head gasket if it does. If you don't smell coolant inside the car it sort of rules out the heater core. Temperature sensor will not work correctly if it's low on coolant. Also, you won't get enough heat inside the car with a low radiator.

[AD2BU]

Another common prob on these cars is the lower intake manifold gasket. could be loosing coolant that way. There is a bleeder valve (at least on the V6) that should be loosened when the system is really low. It is just above the water pump on the metal pipe that goes around the front of the engine from there to the other side of the engine.

Good luck.