1999 Buick Regal Runs hot in traffic

1999 BUICK REGAL

110,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

ALANP64

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I am at a real confusing situation with this car. It runs great but it wants to run hot in traffic. Right now, the temps out are cool still so it's not a tremendous issue but I dread the typical Texas heat that will soon be here. As long as I am driving down the road the temperature gauge rests at about the 1/4 mark. When I hit traffic the temperature gauge will rise to about the halfway mark to slightly above, then the cooling fans energize and it seems to hold there. I am well aware of the upper intake manifold leak issue associated with the 3800 series II motors, but I am not losing coolant anywhere.

Mar 15, 2010 at 8:12 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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110,175 POSTS

The halfway point isn't a problem. If the fans kick on and it cools, that sounds normal. Has it gone into the danger zone?

Mar 16, 2010 at 6:34 AM

ALANP64

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2 POSTS

No, it hasnt reached the red mark. It kind of makes me nervous that it runs at the 1/4 mark then jumps up to a bit over the halfway point. It's actually a loaner car from my inlaws. I cant remember where the temp gauge usually ran. It baffles me about the difference in where it rests while driving and then climbs when sitting in traffic. I would think it would be more steady towards the middle of the gauge. Seems like i remember that is where it used to run. I wondered if maybe the thermostat is sticking open a little which causes it to run cooler while moving and that it being up near the halfway point while sitting in traffic is actually normal. I know it all sounds like a goofy theory. I plan on flsuhing the coolant system this weekend just for good measure. The car has 110k miles on it so i am sure that would be prudent anyway.

Mar 17, 2010 at 7:11 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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110,175 POSTS

That would be a good job. While you are flushing it, replace the t-stat.

Mar 17, 2010 at 7:48 AM