2004 grand prix gt overheating help

**woods62988** · 12-21-2012

I have a 2004 grand prix gt and its over heating only when im at a stop with it in drive or park. I have coolant in my reservoir, the fans kick on sometimes i get cold air blowing out of heater. I tried it tonight and i got hot air blowing out of heater but still over heating. any help is appreciated.

**DirtDog** · 12-21-2012

Sounds like thermostat. And possible a water pump.

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**DirtDog** · 12-21-2012

Under 100 bucks if its that simple

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**HVACgtp** · 12-21-2012

when the car is cool take the radiator cap off and see what the level is. if it seems low add a lil bit. but the proper way is to leave the radiator cap off, turn the vehicle on, while running fill the radiator up with coolant to just below the fill neck, once car is about warmed up to temp the coolant will burp out of the fill neck if full, at this time put the cap back on. Sounds to me like your low on coolant and possibly a bad thermostat. but would check coolant level deff. exact same issue i had with my 01 gt, low coolant/bad thermostat. low coolant due to leaking elbows.

**woods62988** · 12-21-2012

Thanks HVACgtp!!! did that and everything is perfect! running cool now. thank you guys for your help!

**HVACgtp** · 12-21-2012

now just to figure out where that coolant is going, have you checked the coolant elbows?

**woods62988** · 12-21-2012

not yet. not to smart about engines thats why im here haha. i dont know any locations of the elbows at all.

**HVACgtp** · 12-21-2012

go to the search box and type in coolant elbows. plenty of threads about them. they are located on the left side, as if you were standing in fromt of the vehicle, side of the motor. two black 90* elbows. if they are leaking, you will know it. if not, then you may have bigger problems on your hands.

**woods62988** · 12-21-2012

someone told me that coolant evaporates? and should check it every 6 months to a year?
So what your saying is you should NEVER lose coolant?

**HVACgtp** · 12-21-2012

coolant can evaporate or burn off, but these motors have issue with leaking coolant into the motor, and blowing it up. do you smell anti freeze strongly when you open the hood? or around the car? is there any spot on the ground where anything has dripped?

**woods62988** · 12-21-2012

No i dont smell it nor do i see any. This summer i had my water pump changed. (they may have not filled it completely idk) I use dexcool orange 50/50. I also have aluminum intakes and not the plastic ones. 3800 series III. I was told that over the years the plastic intakes wear which allows coolant into the engine. my intakes are aluminum.

**woods62988** · 12-21-2012

I also know NOTHING about this. i just ask questions alot. and try to fix what i can.

**Scottydoggs** · 12-21-2012

just keep a eye on it over the next week, if it drops, you know its going somewhere.

**HVACgtp** · 12-21-2012

questions are a good thing, no worries. and that could very well be why it was low, couldnt tell you thats exactly it but it very well could be!

**HVACgtp** · 12-21-2012

what scotty said ^^!

**woods62988** · 12-21-2012

you have me really concern now. lol

**woods62988** · 12-21-2012

so in a week or two, remove radiator cap when its cold? and i should see coolant at the top correct? if its not at the top then im leaking somewhere?

**HVACgtp** · 12-21-2012

watch to see if it starts to over heat again or act funky, and yes keep an eye on the level, just repeat the steps i told ya and you should be good. and better to know now then when its too late.