2001 Pontiac Grand Am Heating Problem?

[Arron]

Not really sure exactly how to label this one. I've got an 01 Grand Am, 4 cylinder engine. About a week ago it started getting too hot according to the temperature gauge. So we added some antifreeze. Immediately after doing so the "Low Coolant" light came on and the car stopped overheating. We've added about 3 gallons of antifreeze just this week (and some Radiator Stop-Leek), so I know enough to suspect a leak. However there's no puddles under the car, ever, and there's no sign of it getting into the oil. Normally, from what I'm told, you turn on the heater to max when a car is overheating and it will help cool it off a little. This one is working in exact reverse of that and keeps getting warmer until I turn on the cold air, at which point it cools right back down. What's really bothering me is that it only seems to work right when the "Low Coolant" light comes on. I've been told to check the thermostat. Anything else that might cause such odd behavior in a car?

 

[motorhead'n'black]

If it is an automatic the fluid could in up in the tranny fluid, as the radator also cools the tranny fluids. If this the case replace the rad and flush, run, flush, run,etc. this has happened to me alot.

 

[Johndmcc]

Radiator problems

I had this problem not too long ago. First, the housing that connects to the heads might have a crack in it. Ours did. Then, that was fine, but we kept over heating. What I did next was change the coolant tank and that cleared it up.

Changing the tank takes 5 minutes. One bolt and one hose and you're done. Good luck!

 

[Zimgxp]

Sounds like the fans are not coming on normaly. When you turn on the ac, it will run the fan and cool it down.