update on overheating- now what?

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by jhandy

ok, Sounds strait forward. The car stays at 195-198 at highway speeds and shoots up when driving slow.

How do I test/check the relays? Do I have to go buy new ones and see if that works or can I bypass them electrically and take them out of the loop?

as for the resistor, pretty much the same question. How do I know that it is bad? I did a quick code check and nothing came up...I just want to avoid going to the dealer (50 miles away) and start buying things that are not needed.

I just cleaned the radiators, I did not remove them. I will remove them and check behind them to see if there is dirt between them and the oil/thing.
I did notice that a fair amount of fins are bent up. I will carefully fix them and see maybe that helps.

Also I checked the fans with a volt meter, Either they are both going bad or they are fine, they are drawing the same amps and with a volt meter I cant tell anything is wrong.

Again, I bet that this is how it always is because the car is acting fine, and the needle is in the same spot as always, however now that I know the car is getting really hot, I may add a third radiator fan.

I am curious if driving around without the bumper on would make a difference,

I worry that if I take it to the dealer and they mess with it, It will be documented that the car was running hot and if the motor ever blows because of the IMS, the warrenty direct people will use that to not pay for anything. That is how it is in medicine at least.

Sounds like I have something to do this weekend!!
Thanks for all the help

You need to check the circuit for resistance - Ohms. What you do not want to see is infinite resistance, probably some value less than 1. A code reader will not tell you anything. The DME can store faults which aren't readable with an OBDII reader, nor can you reset it, this is why a PIWIS or PST2 is needed. For checking relays, see my post: http://www.986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20195&highlight=relays

If you have radiator vanes which are bent, this can be quite an issue, depending on the number and severity. You can buy a vane comb from an auto supply store to straighten them, usually a couple bucks. If attempting manually, take care as they are fragile - take your time.

You need to remove the bumper cover and separate the AC condenser to properly clean them. All sort of junk can collect between them and the radiators. Flush from the backside so you push the debris out the way it came in - don't inadvertently force it deeper between the vanes by spraying into them and don't risk damaging them by using a power washer.