96 Cooling Problem
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
96 Cooling Problem
All of a sudden the engine got hot (almost pegged the gauge) and the fans didn't come on until around 260 degrees. Never got this hot before. Radiator is clear of leaves and such. Coolant is full. Thermostat problem perhaps?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 1
From: Lake Ozark MO
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (Shylor)
Hmmm.. just all of a sudden??
Maybe the ECU needs a reboot.. disconnect one of the terminals on the battery for about 30 sec. and then reconnect...
I know I've gotten my A/C and CD player to start working correctly with that method.
If that doesn't fix it then we know we've got deeper issues.
Maybe the ECU needs a reboot.. disconnect one of the terminals on the battery for about 30 sec. and then reconnect...
I know I've gotten my A/C and CD player to start working correctly with that method.
If that doesn't fix it then we know we've got deeper issues.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: South Glastonbury CT
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (Shylor)
I just had the same exact problem last week. Out of nowhere *Bam* the temp gauge pegged. I have a really good cooling system so I was very suprised. I let it cool down, checked the fluid, pulled the thermo.....Nothing, all fine. I finally traced the problem to the recovery tank cap. Just like any radiator cap, if the pressure cap sticks, pressure builds up and you will over heat. I got a new one for $11.00 at the local auto parts store and the problem went away.
:cheers:
Oh, Yeah, what they said too. I would reboot the ECU first.
[Modified by mj_duell, 8:11 AM 7/12/2002]
:cheers:
Oh, Yeah, what they said too. I would reboot the ECU first.
[Modified by mj_duell, 8:11 AM 7/12/2002]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (Dan Parker '96)
[QUOTE]Maybe the ECU needs a reboot.. disconnect one of the terminals on the battery for about 30 sec. and then reconnect...[QUOTE]
What is this ECU? My service manual doesn't have any information about it.
What is this ECU? My service manual doesn't have any information about it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (Shylor)
fan relays are on the driver side attached to the raditar shroud. check the fans and make sure both are running when called. my did this about 2 years ago when a stick (how ...) got jammed in the secondary fan and caused it to fail.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (mj_duell)
I got a new one for $11.00 at the local auto parts store and the problem went away.
Seems kind of high for a recovery tank cap! For that price I could get a radiator cap.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: South Glastonbury CT
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (Shylor)
True, but I was worried and in a rush. It was the closest store to where I live and when I said I wanted it for a Vette recovery tank, I think they saw dollars signs. I'm just happy there are no more problems with the cooling system.........did you hear that? Just knocking on the table wood for luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (mj_duell)
Couple of things. With no A/C, primary fan comes on around 230, give or take. If they come on when the analog gauge shows 260, then the ECU/PCM (ECU-Electronic Control Unit/Engine Control Unit/Powertrain Control Module)thinks the engine temp is around 230, provides the ground for the relay, fan(s) start. I would suspect the Engine Coolant Temp Sensor (ECT) is not providing an accurate signal to the ECM/PCM. The new sensor from GM is around $11-13. If you have the service manual, you can remove the sensor, use an ohm meter, and compare the reading with the ambient temperature chart located in the manual. Those things can be quite far off and not set a code. Let us know.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Pro Mechanic
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 1,468
From: South-Central Coast California
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (dlmeyers)
You need a factory service manual for its cooling fan diagnostic information.
It is possible that the primary fan is not coming on.
Additionally, as Dave Meyers says, you may want to check the ECT.
It is possible that the primary fan is not coming on.
Additionally, as Dave Meyers says, you may want to check the ECT.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: 96 Cooling Problem
Tried the reboot thing and it didn't correct the problem. I'm leaning more now towards one of the fan relays being bad. Neither fan is NOT coming on until the engine temp is at around 260. Or it could be a fuse to the relay is bad. The fan relays are around $31 each!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 14,581
Likes: 0
From: Michigan in the summer, Florida the rest of the time
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'11
Re: 96 Cooling Problem (Shylor)
I'm leaning more now towards one of the fan relays being bad. Neither fan is NOT coming on until the engine temp is at around 260. Or it could be a fuse to the relay is bad.
I'd concentrate on finding out why the fans are being told to come on so late (260 degrees! :eek:). Either the reservoir cap or the ECT sensor sound like a logical next step.
Good luck,
Brad
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: 96 Cooling Problem
If the fans do operate, then the problem is not the fuse and most likely not the relays. If either of those were bad, your fans wouldn't come on at all.
I'd concentrate on finding out why the fans are being told to come on so late (260 degrees! :eek:). Either the reservoir cap or the ECT sensor sound like a logical next step.
Good luck,
Brad
I'd concentrate on finding out why the fans are being told to come on so late (260 degrees! :eek:). Either the reservoir cap or the ECT sensor sound like a logical next step.
Good luck,
Brad
The ECT and reservoir cap are fine. I'm leaning with the relays because I think it is possible that relay #3 may be the cause. Relay #1 and #2 are directly for the fans but #3 may delay when they come on. At least that's what I'm getting from the schematic of them.
