1994 Saturn SC2 Car overheating

1994 SATURN SC2
250,000 MILES • FWD • MANUAL
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NIKKI6788
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Our 94 Saturn sc2 keeps almost overheating. It gets up to the 3/4 mark and higher. Especially if the car is running while stationary. We can feel hot air coming through the vents as well. It's evident when the fan kicks in because the car immediately cools to the 1/4 mark, but it doesn't do that often.

We recently replaced the water pump, coolant reservoir, and put on a new serpentine belt. We're wondering if the problem is the thermostat. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks, nikki
Jun 3, 2014 at 4:09 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Since the problem occurs when not moving and the engine cools when the fans finally turn on, the thermostat isn't the problem but rather the fans not turning on. My guess is if you are driving at highway speeds, the engine runs at a normal temp. Is that correct? If so, the problem could be a couple of things. I would first start by switching the fan relay with another relay in the relay box that has the same part number. See if the fans turn on when they should then. If they do the same thing, then the next possible problem is the coolant temp sensor.

Try the relay first and let me know what you find. Again, since the car cools down when the fans turn on, the thermostat is NOT the problem.

Joe
PS: I assume the coolant is full,
Jun 3, 2014 at 5:51 PM