My First DIC Warning - 264 Water Temp
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Hendersonville NC
My First DIC Warning - 264 Water Temp
Boy these engines run hot. Today while in moderate traffic, I got a DIC warning that Coolant Temperature was exceeded. It indicated 264 degrees. It cleared pretty quick, and returned to 244. It was about 86 degrees outside and very humid. A check of coolant levels revealed proper levels. Planning on an LS1 edit soon, and a lowering of temperature settings for the fans. I have heard many pros and cons about going to lower temperature thermostats, as these engines were designed to run between 190 - 240. What do you all think? 
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 294
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From: South Orange Co. CA
That temp is way too high. The factory temp is supposed to be 192*. Mine runs at 194* in most conditions. Even when I drove through San Bernadino on a 105* day with the A/C on, the water temp never went over 210*. Considering that the oil temperature runs about 20* to 30* higher than the water temp, you could have some engine problems.
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From: West Palm Beach FL
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Originally Posted by CAJUNY2KC5
I'd get under the nose of your car and check for debris clogging your radiator. That's way too hot. If it's clear, I'd check your thermostat and fan settings.
you should check for air blockage...however Mike Norris...you may remember him to be a great Tuner in Altamonte Springs FL ...says that these engines do run hot and there is nothing wrong if the engine runs at 220-230 ...they can do that all day.
If he isnt concerned with my temps Im not concerned either
oh and 260+ is a bit too warm...to be called normal
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You may want to check this out. That is a very high coolant temp. Debris in the radiator area, bad thermostat, etc could be at fault.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Hendersonville NC
Thanks for the input. My understanding was it should not exceed 240, which to me (old school) is still scorching. It's an 03 still under warranty so I guess I'll do the dreaded Dealer visit, after checking for debris, etc. myself. Thanks again. 
P.S. No debris as best as I can see. Will get the thermostat, etc checked.
P.S. No debris as best as I can see. Will get the thermostat, etc checked.
Last edited by ACELR8N; Aug 19, 2004 at 06:05 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 402
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From: Goose Creek SC
The highest coolant temp I've ever seen on my 2003 LS1 A4 is 225, and that was in total mid-summer gridlock for 30 minutes. 264 is way too high for coolant. I think that's right at - or above - the boiling point for a 50/50 mix of coolant/water in a 15 PSI system.
My first reaction was debris blocking the front of the radiator. If you've carefully checked, and that's not the cause, then you need to visit the dealer ASAP.
If you look on page 3-58 in your owner's manual, you'll see that the high coolant DIC warning is supposed to come on at 255. You might want the dealer to also check the set-point for the DIC warning, if yours activated at 264. Also, that same page, it will tell you that the oil temperature warning does not come on until 320 degrees is reached, so you were probably OK with the oil staying within tolerances.
My first reaction was debris blocking the front of the radiator. If you've carefully checked, and that's not the cause, then you need to visit the dealer ASAP.
If you look on page 3-58 in your owner's manual, you'll see that the high coolant DIC warning is supposed to come on at 255. You might want the dealer to also check the set-point for the DIC warning, if yours activated at 264. Also, that same page, it will tell you that the oil temperature warning does not come on until 320 degrees is reached, so you were probably OK with the oil staying within tolerances.
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From: Frisco, TX
I'm pretty sure each fan is separately fused, as I managed while messing with my lights to blow one of those fuses. When I drove the car around and was moving (not yet knowing about the fuse), the one fan and the movement was enough to keep it cool. But, the day got hotter and I ended up in stop and go traffic and the car overheated, after which I learned about the blown fuse.
So, check to make sure both of your fans are kicking on at those higher temps.
So, check to make sure both of your fans are kicking on at those higher temps.
