I got a 09 LS cobalt. Auto... 30,000kms

The car ran fine till today. My temperature is typically 89-90C (192-194F) I have never seen it go hotter, until today. I was in traffic...for 20-30 min today (outside temp was humid and 17C (62.6F)) and my car started to idle funny. I checked the engine temp and it was at 103C (217.4F). I turned on my heater in the car on full heat and full fan speed. This started to slowly drop the temp. Once traffic moved I noticed the temp dropped down to 89C (normal temp). I checked the coolant when I got home...level is fine.

With all that said. I have some questions. I know I have warranty...but I would like to be able to tell them what the problem is before I give them the keys....other wise the dealership isnt gonna figure it out


What is our normal operating temperature?
Is this a common problem with our cars?
Could it be the fan isnt turning on ?
What temperature should the fan turn on at?
Any damage could have been done from being at 103C (217.4F)?

Thanks

 

200F isnt overheating

not sure about 217F (i cant remember) my wife drives it more than i do now.

 

pretty sure there is absolutely no problem with it being at 103 lol....

 

lol thats not over heating hell mine gets to 220 when its 103 outside!

 

Mine runs about 190 most of the time but still. Yours is fine.

 

Start worrying when you cross 225 F and keep going. 217 is normal operating temp when the A/C isn't on.

 

217 is pretty high... i used to have a cobalt ls for 2 years and living in the hot ass florida heat (90F average in the summertime) it would rarely go over 200 even in stop and go traffic. highest it ever got is i believe 204

 

Cool thanks guys... I appreciate the quick responses back.

I went out side and ran my car... at idle I couldnt get the temp to go past 89C.

I pushed my AC button and the Fan came on. I also ohm'd the fan relay... it is fine.

BBBUUUTTTTT why was my idle dropping off then??? It was dipping close to 500rpm and idling very rough.

 

I normally stay between 185-198 cruising. After spirited driving or idling on a hot day I have gone to 210. Once a year or two ago it was 220 for about a minute when I was climbing a ridiculous hill slowly

 

Here is a bit of info from GM SI

Cooling Fan Control 2.2L (L61) / 2.4L (LE5)

The ECM commands Low Speed Fans ON under the following conditions:

• Engine coolant temperature (ECT) exceeds approximately 106°C (223°F).

• A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1 310 kPa (190 psi).

• After the vehicle is shut off, the ECT at key-off is greater than 140°C (284°F) and system voltage is more than 12 volts. The fans will stay on for approximately 3 minutes.

The ECM commands High Speed Fans ON under the following conditions:

• ECT reaches 110°C (230°F).

• A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1 655 kPa (240 psi).

• When certain DTCs set

When the request for fan activation is withdrawn, the fan may not turn OFF until the ignition switch is moved to the OFF position or the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 10 mph. This is to prevent a fan from cycling ON and OFF excessively at idle.

 

^ interesting...my LT has been running hotter than normal lately as well...got up to 225F the other day

 

Go look at the other thread where a guy hit 250. That's in the danger zone, but still won't have any permanent damage. 225 is nothing to worry about at all.

Like I say in pretty every "overheating" thread I see, a proper water / coolant mix will not start boiling until somewhere north of 260 (which is why in almost every car with a needle, the temp gauge stops at 260), and as long as you're below that your engine is not in any danger. None.

Now if you see sustained temps over 230 that don't seem to come back down when they should, get the system inspected. Could be bad fans, stuck thermostat, or some other restriction.

 

Normal

 

Mine ran about 89-90C as well (194F) for 6 years but the last 3 months its been as high as 110C (230F) when waiting at a light.

I had the problem before getting the coolant flushed (i was due for it) and still had it afterwards so I know its not that. Guess I will check the fan relay and thermostat. I do think the fan is coming on later than it used to and seems like its working harder.

as long as its not a coolant pump I'm happy cause that would really **** me off.

 

On a 90*F day my car LSJ cruise at around 180-187 and at stoplights sometimes it will reach 230*F before the fans kick on... so youre fine.