Temperature Gauge Went To The Max....

keon718nyc · 01-12-2018, 09:24 AM

Not sure how to entirely explain this but yesterday i had a bad experience that i can't figure out and have a appt. Wednesday with the dealer. So my Saturn beater over heated on the highway the other day so i had to leave it off the side of the highway on a service road spot. All the coolant drained out and left me stranded.

Yesterday i went to drive my Camaro to take some stuff out of the car before they towed and and i was sitting in a spot with the heat on in my Camaro when my bad luck arrived, I glanced over at the temp gauge and it was maxed out on my Camaro 2SS. The temperature light came on and i quickly shut the motor off to prevent any damage that could have been caused. I popped open the hood and seen absolutely nothing out of the ordinary and no smoke, excessive heat or leaks anywhere. Went back in to start the car and the car wouldn't turn on as the battery seems to be dead or in a limp mode.

Well now i have two flat bed tow trucks on the way and ended up the first guy jump started my Camaro and the gauge level, light and everything else went back to normal. I drove home about 12 miles and parked it in my garage and haven't noticed anything odd on the way home.

Any info would be appreciated to pin point what might have caused this, the outside temp was about 45 and my heat was on in the car for about 20 minutes set in a parking spot. Blew my mind this would happen after my other car took the same crap.

PinHead · 01-12-2018, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keon718nyc

Not sure how to entirely explain this but yesterday i had a bad experience that i can't figure out and have a appt. Wednesday with the dealer. So my Saturn beater over heated on the highway the other day so i had to leave it off the side of the highway on a service road spot. All the coolant drained out and left me stranded. Yesterday i went to drive my Camaro to take some stuff out of the car before they towed and and i was sitting in a spot with the heat on in my Camaro when my bad luck arrived, I glanced over at the temp gauge and it was maxed out on my Camaro 2SS. The temperature light came on and i quickly shut the motor off to prevent any damage that could have been caused. I popped open the hood and seen absolutely nothing out of the ordinary and no smoke, excessive heat or leaks anywhere. Went back in to start the car and the car wouldn't turn on as the battery seems to be dead or in a limp mode. Well now i have two flat bed tow trucks on the way and ended up the first guy jump started my Camaro and the gauge level, light and everything else went back to normal. I drove home about 12 miles and parked it in my garage and haven't noticed anything odd on the way home. Any info would be appreciated to pin point what might have caused this, the outside temp was about 45 and my heat was on in the car for about 29 minutes set in a parking spot. Blew my mind this would happen after my other car took the same crap.

How many miles are on the Camaro?

When was the last service?

What was the ambient temps where you parked the Camaro? Indoor or Outdoor parking?

Maybe a stuck/frozen/defective thermostat.

Btw, Run on paragraphs are hard to read.

keon718nyc · 01-12-2018, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinHead

How many miles are on the Camaro?

When was the last service?

What was the ambient temps where you parked the Camaro? Indoor or Outdoor parking?

Maybe a stuck/frozen/defective thermostat.

Btw, Run on paragraphs are hard to read.

Ill fix the paragraphs now, thanks!

Last service 3000 miles ago, car has 8600 miles

The temps were around 190 or so and was outdoor.

Possible the thermostat is taking a crap...

camaro5 · 01-12-2018, 05:59 PM

Low voltage causes the gauges to go crazy.

Since the car wouldn't even crank - obviously a low voltage situation occurred.

Idling with the heater blower on can out-draw the alternator, because it barely turns at idle.

Check charging system, load test battery.

Battery may be weak and unreliable when loaded.

Temp indicator was probably false, simply watch it closely when restarted to confirm.

Worst case scenario - overheating seized the engine.

Internet diagnoses

PinHead · 01-12-2018, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keon718nyc

Ill fix the paragraphs now, thanks!

Last service 3000 miles ago, car has 8600 miles

The temps were around 190 or so and was outdoor.

Possible the thermostat is taking a crap...

FYI

Quote:

Ambient

Def; 1. of the surrounding area or environment:

If your car was outside and the ambient temperature was 190 degrees you're either parked in Hell or Phoenix, AZ. on July 1.

Good job on the paragraph! Thanks

keon718nyc · 01-13-2018, 09:56 AM

I have a appointment Wednesday, As of now everything seems back to normal as i drove for a bit yesterday. This battery has drained before where i had to jump in 2 times in the past so it just baffles me that the temp gauge and battery went to the wild side of things. I'll update if the dealer finds anything out of the ordinary which i have my fingers crossed if they do... lol!

2016SS · 01-13-2018, 12:08 PM

I had a similar issue, check to make sure the wires are not pinched under your passenger seat. That’s what was causing my votage issue, though it may not be your issue it’s something that can and has happened.

keon718nyc · 01-17-2018, 12:51 PM

So took my car in to the dealer this morning and told them about the issue as stated in the original post. They did some tests on the battery, nothing there. Checked out everything else with the wiring, thermostat ect. and nothing.

Ended up about 4 hours later falling asleep watching "Lets Make A Deal" on the TV there and service manager tells me possible you need to drive the car more, I am like OK, it only has 8,400 miles/2 years old now. I understand but seems nothing been accomplished and that was the end for now till next time i presume.... LOL Gotta love the service department aghhhhh.

keon718nyc · 02-14-2018, 10:47 AM

Update.... I was driving yesterday in some heavy traffic and as i was sitting the temp gauge started to go up to about 3/4. I was stuck in between cars and finally managed to get off the Hwy and moving fast. As i am driving faster the temp started to go down again back to normal. I called the dealer and have a appt. next week. Seems when the car is either sitting too long in one spot or in traffic after driving a bit that the temperature gauge/car starts to overheat.

My thoughts is there is something wrong with the cooling fan as after looking i don't see anything else in the engine bay that looks off or odd. Is there a way to tell if the fans are working properly? I just want to see if i can get this figured out before going back to the dealer and they tell me some BS like last time to drive the car more LOL.

torqueaddict · 02-14-2018, 01:24 PM

Well, the cooling fans should be fairly simple to check. In your last situation, they should have been running to cool the engine. Now I'm saying 'they' assuming there are 2 of them. I haven't taken a good look at the radiator area to know for sure, haha.

Turning on the AC usually gets them going as well. You can also drive spiritedly for a while, park and let it idle. At least one should be on. Since your cooling system isn't working well, I'm not sure if that's a good idea though.

I think you're on the right track with the cooling fans. Maybe the relay is sticking. There's also a chance it could be a sticky thermostat. I would leave at the dealer till they find the culprit.

Glen e · 02-14-2018, 01:35 PM

The v6’s had a recall for faulty connectors on the cooling fans where water could get in and short them out.....for some reason you may have same connector? Just a guess.....

torqueaddict · 02-14-2018, 01:39 PM

Well, the cooling fans should be fairly simple to check. In your last situation, they should have been running to cool the engine. Now I'm saying 'they' assuming there are 2 of them. I haven't taken a good look at the radiator area to know for sure, haha.

Turning on the AC usually gets them going as well. You can also drive spiritedly for a while, park and let it idle. At least one should be on. Since your cooling system isn't working well, I'm not sure if that's a good idea though.

I think you're on the right track with the cooling fans. Maybe the relay is sticking. There's also a chance it could be a sticky thermostat. I would leave at the dealer till they find the culprit.

protovack · 02-15-2018, 03:20 AM

Either your fans weren't running, or the thermostat is getting stuck and not allowing coolant to get to the radiator. The fact that the temperature went down after you were able to speed up on the highway says your thermostat is fine. Therefore, check the fans.

keon718nyc · 02-15-2018, 10:27 AM

Thanks for the replies, I feel its the fan. Its just a matter of the dealer finding that out now and i hope they do and replace or fix it. It is very annoying to not know if your car will overheat while on a long drive.

01-12-2018, 09:24 AM	#1
keon718nyc Drives: Challenger SP Shaker/Arcadia Denali Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New York City Posts: 1,928	Temperature Gauge Went To The Max.... Not sure how to entirely explain this but yesterday i had a bad experience that i can't figure out and have a appt. Wednesday with the dealer. So my Saturn beater over heated on the highway the other day so i had to leave it off the side of the highway on a service road spot. All the coolant drained out and left me stranded. Yesterday i went to drive my Camaro to take some stuff out of the car before they towed and and i was sitting in a spot with the heat on in my Camaro when my bad luck arrived, I glanced over at the temp gauge and it was maxed out on my Camaro 2SS. The temperature light came on and i quickly shut the motor off to prevent any damage that could have been caused. I popped open the hood and seen absolutely nothing out of the ordinary and no smoke, excessive heat or leaks anywhere. Went back in to start the car and the car wouldn't turn on as the battery seems to be dead or in a limp mode. Well now i have two flat bed tow trucks on the way and ended up the first guy jump started my Camaro and the gauge level, light and everything else went back to normal. I drove home about 12 miles and parked it in my garage and haven't noticed anything odd on the way home. Any info would be appreciated to pin point what might have caused this, the outside temp was about 45 and my heat was on in the car for about 20 minutes set in a parking spot. Blew my mind this would happen after my other car took the same crap. Last edited by keon718nyc; 01-12-2018 at 09:42 AM.

01-12-2018, 05:59 PM	#4
camaro5 Drives: X-15 Velocipede Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SW Florida Posts: 4,630	Low voltage causes the gauges to go crazy. Since the car wouldn't even crank - obviously a low voltage situation occurred. Idling with the heater blower on can out-draw the alternator, because it barely turns at idle. Check charging system, load test battery. Battery may be weak and unreliable when loaded. Temp indicator was probably false, simply watch it closely when restarted to confirm. Worst case scenario - overheating seized the engine. Internet diagnoses __________________ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge General Motors ASEP, A.S. Automotive Technology, Telecommunications Specialist, CISCO Network Engineer STANDARD DISCLAIMER camaro5 is furnishing this information "as is". camaro5 does not provide any warranty of the information whatsoever, whether express, implied, or statutory, including, but not limited to, any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or any warranty that the contents of the information will be error-free. Last edited by camaro5; 01-12-2018 at 06:13 PM.

01-13-2018, 12:08 PM	#7
2016SS Drives: 2016 Summit White 2SS Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ontario Posts: 423	I had a similar issue, check to make sure the wires are not pinched under your passenger seat. That’s what was causing my votage issue, though it may not be your issue it’s something that can and has happened. __________________ 2003 Cadillac CTS Sold 2006 Nissan 350Z Sold 2008 Cobalt SS/TC Sold 2016 Camaro 2SS Summit built 3/28/16 delivered 2018 Camaro ZL1 cancelled by GM 😡 2019 Corvette 2lt Z51

02-14-2018, 01:35 PM	#11
Glen e Retired from Car mfrs.... Drives: 2LT RS/HR-V Join Date: May 2013 Location: /Fort Lauderdale Posts: 10,044	The v6’s had a recall for faulty connectors on the cooling fans where water could get in and short them out.....for some reason you may have same connector? Just a guess..... __________________ Glen CLICK HERE for detailing a new car: detailing for non detailers CLICK HERE for how to rinseless CLICK HERE for EASY wheel sealant

01-13-2018, 09:56 AM	#6
keon718nyc Drives: Challenger SP Shaker/Arcadia Denali Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New York City Posts: 1,928	I have a appointment Wednesday, As of now everything seems back to normal as i drove for a bit yesterday. This battery has drained before where i had to jump in 2 times in the past so it just baffles me that the temp gauge and battery went to the wild side of things. I'll update if the dealer finds anything out of the ordinary which i have my fingers crossed if they do... lol!

01-17-2018, 12:51 PM	#8
keon718nyc Drives: Challenger SP Shaker/Arcadia Denali Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New York City Posts: 1,928	So took my car in to the dealer this morning and told them about the issue as stated in the original post. They did some tests on the battery, nothing there. Checked out everything else with the wiring, thermostat ect. and nothing. Ended up about 4 hours later falling asleep watching "Lets Make A Deal" on the TV there and service manager tells me possible you need to drive the car more, I am like OK, it only has 8,400 miles/2 years old now. I understand but seems nothing been accomplished and that was the end for now till next time i presume.... LOL Gotta love the service department aghhhhh.

02-14-2018, 10:47 AM	#9
keon718nyc Drives: Challenger SP Shaker/Arcadia Denali Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New York City Posts: 1,928	Update.... I was driving yesterday in some heavy traffic and as i was sitting the temp gauge started to go up to about 3/4. I was stuck in between cars and finally managed to get off the Hwy and moving fast. As i am driving faster the temp started to go down again back to normal. I called the dealer and have a appt. next week. Seems when the car is either sitting too long in one spot or in traffic after driving a bit that the temperature gauge/car starts to overheat. My thoughts is there is something wrong with the cooling fan as after looking i don't see anything else in the engine bay that looks off or odd. Is there a way to tell if the fans are working properly? I just want to see if i can get this figured out before going back to the dealer and they tell me some BS like last time to drive the car more LOL.

02-14-2018, 01:24 PM	#10
torqueaddict Drives: Tesla M3 LR-AWD [Former 1SS owner] Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Miami Posts: 950	Well, the cooling fans should be fairly simple to check. In your last situation, they should have been running to cool the engine. Now I'm saying 'they' assuming there are 2 of them. I haven't taken a good look at the radiator area to know for sure, haha. Turning on the AC usually gets them going as well. You can also drive spiritedly for a while, park and let it idle. At least one should be on. Since your cooling system isn't working well, I'm not sure if that's a good idea though. I think you're on the right track with the cooling fans. Maybe the relay is sticking. There's also a chance it could be a sticky thermostat. I would leave at the dealer till they find the culprit.

02-14-2018, 01:39 PM	#12
torqueaddict Drives: Tesla M3 LR-AWD [Former 1SS owner] Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Miami Posts: 950	Well, the cooling fans should be fairly simple to check. In your last situation, they should have been running to cool the engine. Now I'm saying 'they' assuming there are 2 of them. I haven't taken a good look at the radiator area to know for sure, haha. Turning on the AC usually gets them going as well. You can also drive spiritedly for a while, park and let it idle. At least one should be on. Since your cooling system isn't working well, I'm not sure if that's a good idea though. I think you're on the right track with the cooling fans. Maybe the relay is sticking. There's also a chance it could be a sticky thermostat. I would leave at the dealer till they find the culprit.

02-15-2018, 03:20 AM	#13
protovack Drives: 2019 2LT 2.0T M6 Riverside Blue Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: WA Posts: 847	Either your fans weren't running, or the thermostat is getting stuck and not allowing coolant to get to the radiator. The fact that the temperature went down after you were able to speed up on the highway says your thermostat is fine. Therefore, check the fans.

02-15-2018, 10:27 AM	#14
keon718nyc Drives: Challenger SP Shaker/Arcadia Denali Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New York City Posts: 1,928	Thanks for the replies, I feel its the fan. Its just a matter of the dealer finding that out now and i hope they do and replace or fix it. It is very annoying to not know if your car will overheat while on a long drive.

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