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1998 SSE overheating while driving uphill

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Old 07-13-2005, 01:40 PM
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Default 1998 SSE overheating while driving uphill

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. I've searched the forums and have not found a fix to my problem. I've had my whole cooling system gone through including the A/C. Thermostat replaced 3 times, radiator, engine block flushed and tested, new hoses, fans are working properly. Funny thing is the temp runs normal while driving down hill. Nothing has worked. Any suggestions? I'm open to modifications if need be. I live and play in Tucson and love to drive on those fun mountain roads. My Bonny is black and it'* the worst possible color for our 110+ temps down here. I also have fun trying to keep the interior cool. I have tinted the windows to the legel limit. That has helped, but its not perfect. Thanks
Old 07-13-2005, 01:43 PM
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Kurt...the car will warm up a little when a load is up on, how far into overheat are you talking about.

Next question is, do you have availability to a scan tool that can tell you temps from the PCM. My 95 gauge is quite inaccurate and I would suggest scanning it to know for sure your gauge is telling the truth within reason.

ps...Welcome to the club!
Old 07-13-2005, 01:53 PM
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Originally Posted by BillBost37
Kurt...the car will warm up a little when a load is up on, how far into overheat are you talking about.

Next question is, do you have availability to a scan tool that can tell you temps from the PCM. My 95 gauge is quite inaccurate and I would suggest scanning it to know for sure your gauge is telling the truth within reason.

ps...Welcome to the club!
Thanks Bill,
The guage will redline and the A/C shuts down. I've had the scan tool attached while it happened and the guage is only off by 10 degrees. This thing is driving me nuts.
Old 07-13-2005, 02:36 PM
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Ok...while we wait for the other gearheads and vets to read up and post suggestions...

Are you climbing A mountain or B mountain? If you are between the airport and Tucson I think you'll understand this one.
Old 07-13-2005, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by BillBost37
Ok...while we wait for the other gearheads and vets to read up and post suggestions...

Are you climbing A mountain or B mountain? If you are between the airport and Tucson I think you'll understand this one.
I like to climb Mt. Lemmon in the Catalinas to the north on Catalina Hwy. The ride down is a lot of fun!
Old 07-13-2005, 04:01 PM
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Hi Kurt, I am also from Tucson, I noticed yesterday as I was parked with the motor running and the A/C for a while that my gauge had climbed just over the 200 range, I would say it was almost to the 220 range on the gauge. It had not done this before and I am figuring it might have to do with the sudden rise in Humidity we are having. You are saying that it doesn't happen when you are going down hill, What about city driving or just parked and running the motor with the A/C?
Old 07-13-2005, 04:02 PM
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Has the UIM been changed or gaskets yet?
Old 07-13-2005, 07:28 PM
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Wow, yet another AZ member! Nick, we gotta help him! We can now think about having our own mini-meet.

As far as the problem goes, I'm stumped :? I've been running 215* in stop and go traffic, 220* at idle for the last few days with the high ambient temps lately.

So, Kurt, is this a recent problem with summer weather or has it been on-going for awhile? How'* the transmission? If the transmission is working hard on the climb, could this contribute to the rising water temps? Do the 98 non-SCed cars have a trans cooler mounted in the radiator?

Mods that may help include fan overide switch as described elsewhere on the site.

Nick, what else besides load could contribute to high water temps, if all the cooling system has been redone and fans seems to be working properly? I know it'* been hot out here and that road up into the Catalina'* is pretty steep, but I would think (hope) the bonnie should handle it.

Hmmmmmmmmmm
Old 07-13-2005, 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by nick *
Has the UIM been changed or gaskets yet?
No, I haven't had to change any gaskets yet. What is the "UIM"?
I did have the upper plantum cover replaced at 107K miles. I currently have 121K miles.
I do have a slight oil leak. It only drips when parked at an incline overnight. Do ya think it may help if I took the plastic engine cover off. I read somewhere in the forum that may help with engine temps.
Old 07-13-2005, 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by nick *
Hi Kurt, I am also from Tucson, I noticed yesterday as I was parked with the motor running and the A/C for a while that my gauge had climbed just over the 200 range, I would say it was almost to the 220 range on the gauge. It had not done this before and I am figuring it might have to do with the sudden rise in Humidity we are having. You are saying that it doesn't happen when you are going down hill, What about city driving or just parked and running the motor with the A/C?
No, the temp runs at 200 on the gauge at idle and running down the road. It used to overheat all the time. That'* when I had the system checked, flushed and fixed.


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