1998 Pontiac Grand Am Engine coolant temperature sensor

1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM
Avatar
ALISIAFAWN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Engine Cooling problem
1998 Pontiac Grand Am 6 cyl Automatic 215000 miles

Car starts when engine is cold. Heats up to 240-250 degrees and turns off. Fan does not come on, replaced fuel filter and pump, water pump, flushed radiator and replaced radiator hose, replaced coil pack. After all this is still acts like it is not getting enough gas when it gets hot. Can you help me figure out if the ECT sensor needs to be replaced and would that effect the injectors in any way? Thanks for any suggestions you can come up with!
May 6, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MMPRINCE4000
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 8,548 POSTS
First check the operation of the fan. Disconnect fan connector and apply 12V to fan motor, if it works, then fan switch, relay or fuse is problem. If fan doesn't work, the replace fan motor.
May 7, 2009 at 5:32 AM
Avatar
ALISIAFAWN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Can I just hook the fan up to the battery to check if it works?
May 7, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MMPRINCE4000
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 8,548 POSTS
Yes, rig up a set of wires with connectors (like alligator clips) disconnect fan motor connector and hook alligator clips directly to battery and to fan motor connector, make sure the connector wires go to fan motor, not to harness connector.

Just a few seconds will tell you if fan is good or bad.
May 7, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Avatar
ALISIAFAWN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok, so I have fixed the coolant problem. But now that it doesn't overheat anymore it idles way to low and turns off like it is not getting any gas. Removed and cleaned the throttle body replaced the spark plugs. If I keep my foot on the gas it stays on, but as soon as I stop giving it gas it chuggs itself off. Any ideas?
May 9, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Avatar
MMPRINCE4000
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 8,548 POSTS
Check fuel pressure with nechanical gauge, if OK then clean IAC and pintle.

Idle speed is generally not adjustable on GM cars, another possibility is the timing is retarded, check with scanner.
May 10, 2009 at 7:22 AM