Normal operating temp
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Schaumburg IL
Normal operating temp
What is the normal operating temp on a 04 vette? I tried looking it up in the owners manual but didn't have any luck. I've been noticing at stop lights my temp goes to about 230-235 and the fans kick on and cool it down to a little under 220. Haven't seen any leaks but I'm gonna check under the car if the radiator has stuff clogging it when I get home from my business trip. Just curious if anyone knew what normal temp was.
Instructor
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My '04 was running around 210-217ist most of the time when I first bought it this year. I checked the radiator and found all sorts of grass, weeds and bugs in it. Vacuumed out the front as best possible, drained a gallon of fluid, added mix of distilled water and fresh Dexcool with half a bottle of Redline water wetter. Now it runs on mid 90 deg days, around 195 or so.
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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My '04 was running around 210-217ist most of the time when I first bought it this year. I checked the radiator and found all sorts of grass, weeds and bugs in it. Vacuumed out the front as best possible, drained a gallon of fluid, added mix of distilled water and fresh Dexcool with half a bottle of Redline water wetter. Now it runs on mid 90 deg days, around 195 or so.
The way incoming air goes to the A/C condenser and the radiator is not unlike the C4 airflow for engine cooling. The C5 will get dirt and debris lodged in the front of the condenser and radiator so its important to check to make sure nothing is blocking the airflow. As mentioned, clean out any of the junk and see if that makes a difference.
Also, are the airdams under the nose in good condition? They direct air into the condenser and radiator. Without them of if the center piece is damaged, that can cause higher coolant temps.
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Out on the highway, my car shows about 190-200 as the temp. In town driving, it might get up to 210-215 but that's about it. As mentioned, check the radiator and ensure there is not a lot of debris lodged in it.
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Yes indeed, you can turn on the AC to cool down the motor. Also there is a vendor here that sells a high speed fan controller (hard wire or wireless): http://www.saccitycorvette.com/HardWireCoolit.html
Factory temp settings are low speed on at 226 degrees and off at 219 degrees. High speed on at 235 degrees and revert to low speed at 226 degrees. As stated both fans run at low speed and high speed and fans are commanded off by the PCM when the vehicle speed exceeds 35mph.
You can force low speed operation at 185 degrees by turning on the AC. High speed operation with AC on is still 235 degrees.
Factory temp settings are low speed on at 226 degrees and off at 219 degrees. High speed on at 235 degrees and revert to low speed at 226 degrees. As stated both fans run at low speed and high speed and fans are commanded off by the PCM when the vehicle speed exceeds 35mph.
You can force low speed operation at 185 degrees by turning on the AC. High speed operation with AC on is still 235 degrees.
