Coolant Temperature Question

[SHOnuff93]

Heres the deal, if my thermostat in my car is on, either ac or heat (just on, fan doesnt need to be blowing), my car runs right in the M or NORMAL, if its off the guage climbs to N. Anyone know what the deal is?

 

[sdpatt]

You said "thermostat," but did you mean to say climate control? The thermostat is not ON or OFF. With the climate control set to AUTO, MAX A/C, PNL/FLR or defrost, the A/C compressor will run intermittently and the radiator coolong fan will be on constantly. This actually helps the engine to run cooler in non-highway driving since it allows more cooling air through the radiator. If your gauge is getting up to the "N" then there is a chance that your thermostat is not fully opening or your coolant is low or your radiator is plugged.


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Scott

1991, 252K miles, glass hood, police grill, SVO shifter, Catz fogs,
K&N, 73mm MAF, Superchip, PP Y-pipe, Borla cat-back, 190 lph pump
Eibach/Tokico/polyurethane, SHO Shop front & rear strut braces,
16x7.5" Moda R1, 225/55ZR16 Bridgestone RE730, -1 deg camber x 4,
Class II hitch, Silver award at the SHOklahoma Car Show

 

[SHOnuff93]

i know what the thermostat is, but the words "climate control" eluded me when writing the question, thanks for the reminder. I replaced the thermostat not too long ago, the coolant level is good, havent checked for a plugged radiator, any other ideas of things to check for so i dont have to post saying "it still does it", thanks for the help

 

[sdpatt]

Was the onset of this condition coincident with the new thermostat? It may have a false high opening setpoint.

Scott