Temperature Issue 2002 Trans Am WS6

**Zedtwentyeight** · 11-07-2011, 05:12 AM

I posted this int he WS6 forum as well, but I am assuming I may get more responses here. Thanks!

I broke white lightning out today for the first time in a month or so. She started right up and I was immediately flooded with joyous memories of using her as a daily driver. It was about 32-34 degrees in sunny Syracuse today. During my short 15 mile commute to work the bird gave me some trouble. I was cruising about 72 mph when my check gauges light came on. I checked my gauges. I was shocked to see the temp showing 260. I had the heat on, but it was still blowing cold about halfway through my drive. Then about 30 seconds later (after my panic attack), the temp went back down and the heat was working. Two minutes later the same thing happened. I got off my exit and the temerature didnt fluctuate for the 2 miles of stop and go driving. I'm confused. Thoughts?

Thermostat?

coolant sensor?

Something else?

Also, it's been a long time since I have posted anything, so hello everyone.

**SteveC** · 11-07-2011, 05:26 AM

I would bet that it is a corroded or broken coolant sensor.

SteveC

**Zedtwentyeight** · 11-07-2011, 05:28 AM

Coolant level sensor? Thanks Steve...where is this coolant sensor?

**nomasterase** · 11-07-2011, 05:29 AM

Sounds like maybe an air pocket any coolant leaks?

**Zedtwentyeight** · 11-07-2011, 05:29 AM

No leaks that i've seen in the garage...i'm in the office now and will check when I get a break.

**Zedtwentyeight** · 11-07-2011, 05:35 AM

Now i am reading that GM nixed the coolant level sensor in 00. True or False? If it's an air bubble, is the only way to resolve it with a system flush?

**nomasterase** · 11-07-2011, 05:38 AM

No flush necessary just top it off and let the cooling system burp itself I believe you are correct about no coolant sensor after 00 more important question is where did the missing coolant go?

**Zedtwentyeight** · 11-07-2011, 05:40 AM

Just went outside and checked...no leaks (or evidence of leaking for that matter). I also checked the level of the coolant and it seemed to be ok...that dipstick is pretty lame though, so I may be wrong.

**WS6SP33D** · 11-07-2011, 05:46 AM

Im saying if you had the heat on and it was blowing cool (no coolant flow) with the high or even normal temperature you have a stuck stat. The next time you drive after it's get warm raise the hood and see if the big hose coming off your stat is hot. Also could be an air pocket (doubtful). But you do not have to flush the system to cure this. If it was your temp sensor gauge would show high/pegged but heater would still work

**Zedtwentyeight** · 11-07-2011, 05:48 AM

Thank you and thank you...I shall check that. Good news is that it's supposed to be 60 in Syracuse for most of the week. Too bad it get's dark at 5. Time to get the wrenches and flood lights out.

**Zedtwentyeight** · 11-07-2011, 05:52 AM

Should i replace with a 160 stat? Any chain parts store keep these in stock?

**WS6SP33D** · 11-07-2011, 05:54 AM

160 would be fine or 180 and yes most parts house stock them.

**nomasterase** · 11-07-2011, 05:58 AM

You can put a 160 t stat in it but without tuning for the fans it will still run at the normal 195ish and yes the dipstick in the overflow bottle is near useless let it cool off and remove the radiator cap