Jake8267

Specifically, cooling issues. Test drove the car the other day for about half an hour and didnt notice mechanically anything wrong with the car. Now today when i drive it off the lot, i get about 2 miles down the road, and do the standard gauge check when i notice the temp gauge creeping up, to about 75%. Pay close attention to it for a bit while driving and it goes down to about 50%. Stop at a light for a few minutes and boom now its near peak. Pull over pop the hood, the overflow container is SUPER full. Slowly release the radiator and its full too. Grad the hoses leading into and out of the block, give them a good squeeze and feels like they are empty. Wait a couple minutes at idle to make sure the fans are running ect and to see what the over flow and radiator do. nothing noticable happens. My question is this, does this sound like a a hung or bad thermostat or a water pump, or am i totally off base.I also noticed the windows were fogging up, while it was cool and raining out, im not sure if this issue is seperate or related.

I really doubt these cars run this hot, and this is my first real experience with one.
FYI its an 04 with 42k.

Thanks for your help guys and sorry for the long read.

lgear080

iTrader: (21)

these cars do not run hot. where did you purchase from?

how recently bought?

Jake8267

I bought from a wholesaler here locally, today. FML

davidv

iTrader: (2)

90 percent certain it is the thermostat. Do you know how to check the thermostat after removing?

Jake8267

No i do not, but im fairly able when it comes to messing around with cars, so any advice would be appreciated. Also when i checked the coolant, it looked clean, like way to clear almost. So im wondering if the car had just been sitting for a while when i initially drove it, and the thermostat was hung open, and now maybe its hung shut.

Thanks again man.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Put it on the stove in a pot of water with a thermometer. It should open and close at the specs above.

Jake8267

thanks man ill give it a shot.

lgear080

iTrader: (21)

Good advice keep us posted. Great troubleshoot advice.

winchman

Be sure and rinse the thermostat well before you put it in the pot, and wash the pot before using it for anything else. Antifreeze is poisonous.

baileyrx

iTrader: (16)

if not the thermostat(probably not). vq's are notorious for being difficult to get all the air bubbles out of the cooling system. It normally takes about 15-20 minutes, to get them all completly out. There is a bleeder valve on a hose near the back left of the engine, that helps the process out... g/l

porschett

Check to see if both your fans are running. Mine started overheating 6 months ago due to the AC fan not working. There's a recall on them, so call your dealer, give them the vin, and see if it's been replaced.

Jake8267

awesome will do thanks man.

KornerCarver

iTrader: (2)

Once you remove your thermostat, I would just replace it.