Overheating 98 Trans Sport

[marty824]

I have a 98 Trans Sport and recently in stop and go traffic the engine just kept getting hotter and hotter, the gauge would come down if i was constantly moving. The van has anti freeze as well as a new thermostat, what else should I check?

Thanks

[rkvons]

It will get hotter and hotter up to a point when the cooling fans kick on. This is when the temperature gauge is a little more to the right of pointing straight up. Still not near the red. Does your air work? Try turning it on and see if the fans turn on. The temperature should not increase then. I would let it run in the driveway with the hood open and with the air off and see if the fans turn on when the gauge gets just past 12 oclock. When they do kick on, you should feel hot air being blown off.

[cdru]

Define "hotter and hotter". The thermostat operates at 195 from the factory. On my '98, that corresponds to the first major tick on the gauge (aside from the initial one clear to the left of the dial). At this point the thermostat begins to open. I don't believe the fans kick on until 215 or 225 IIRC. Anywhere in that range and the system is operating normally.

The temp indicated also should slowly rise and fall. If the needle quickly rises or falls, that is an indication of something that should be investigated quickly. An air pocket in the coolant will cause the temp to quickly rise, and once you apply a little gas the water pump can move the coolant quicker so it cools the temp sensor back down. What would cause the air pocket is the question really. It could be low coolant, improperly bled coolant line when it was filled, or a head gasket, among other things.

[marty824]

Problem found, broken ground wire leading to the fan.
Thanks

[ogauge4me]

Glad you did not warp the heads.