operating temp for 1997 c5
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 23
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operating temp for 1997 c5
plz help anyone: i have a 1997 c5 and the question i have is while sitting in traffic for more than 2 minutes my temp climbs up to about 220 degrees.Once i get moving it goes down to about 195 but that seems to be a bit high. I owned a 1987 once and i normally run about 185 while moving and never got over 195 sitting still. is 220 normal for a C5 while sitting still or is there something i can do to keep it cooler?
Last edited by trae1997; Apr 11, 2009 at 07:11 PM. Reason: missed a letter
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
If there's no airflow through the radiator, i.e. your stuck in traffic, the temp will rise until the cooling fan threshold is reached - it's a 2 stage fan. I'm not sure what the '97 setting is but the 2K's thresholds are:
Low speed fan: On at 219F, off at 208F.
High speed fan: On at 228F, off at 217F.
The temp you're seeing is not abnormal considering there's no airflow. If it continues to rise towards 230F then you may have a problem like a failing thermostat.
Low speed fan: On at 219F, off at 208F.
High speed fan: On at 228F, off at 217F.
The temp you're seeing is not abnormal considering there's no airflow. If it continues to rise towards 230F then you may have a problem like a failing thermostat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
If there's no airflow through the radiator, i.e. your stuck in traffic, the temp will rise until the cooling fan threshold is reached - it's a 2 stage fan. I'm not sure what the '97 setting is but the 2K's thresholds are:
Low speed fan: On at 219F, off at 208F.
High speed fan: On at 228F, off at 217F.
The temp you're seeing is not abnormal considering there's no airflow. If it continues to rise towards 230F then you may have a problem like a failing thermostat.
Low speed fan: On at 219F, off at 208F.
High speed fan: On at 228F, off at 217F.
The temp you're seeing is not abnormal considering there's no airflow. If it continues to rise towards 230F then you may have a problem like a failing thermostat.
I would change my DexCool if you have not and spray the radiator and condenser with Simple Green to clear any debris. I even bought an air-wand for my air-compressor to blow everything out good.
Good Luck
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Normally, turning on the A/C fan will drop your running temperature. This is especially true driving in parades where you are going very slow. My temperature will run about 220 without the A/C on but will drop just above 200 once the A/C is turned on.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Turning on the AC turns the fans on low speed if the coolant is over 165 deg and speed is less than 35mph.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
As the guys say those temps are fairly normal. In Vegas I'd see as much as 230 when I was closing down in the garage but it would be way lower on the move. Its also good that they go back down to a sensible value once youre moving. Checking for rubbish in the intake is a good idea. I imported a Walmart plastic carrier bag to the UK in mine
Good idea to fill out your profile so advice is specific. Do you live in Vegas or AZ? A lot different to living in the Mid West.
Good idea to fill out your profile so advice is specific. Do you live in Vegas or AZ? A lot different to living in the Mid West.
Last edited by DeeGee; Apr 13, 2009 at 03:15 AM.
