1997 Pontiac Grand Am - Over heating problems?

[EMERIL]

I have had my Pontiac for 2 1/2 years now, and have 37,215 miles on it. I recently been having coolant problems, and my car overheats when I sit in traffic at stop lights, but it cools down when I drive it fast. What potential problem could this be?
A stuck coolant sensor?
Coolant sensor not working?

If you have any answer's, I would greatly appreciate it because I have been spending lots of money lately on this problem and would like someone else's opinion.

 

[Anthony P]

Yeah, it could be a fan sensor. The cooling fan isn't kicking on at the standard 172F I believe, and you should get that checked. Your fan could not be working or you could have a thermostat inside the radiator hoses that is not opening up. these seize sometimes and it will not allow coolant to flow into the engine, causing overheating.

Run your car and check to see if the fan comes on when your temperature gauge is at half-way to hot. If the fan comes on, check the thermostat. If the fan does not come on, bring it to the mechanic for a repair on the fan.

Good luck.

 

[wde3477]

Suggest the things to look at are the coolant temperature sensor, fan relay, or fan.

The fan should kick on whenever the A/C is on, regardless of coolant temperature.

Believe the target coolant temperature for engaging the fan is more around 220-225degF.

Be sure the cooling system has been properly bled - all air out.