Why is my car overheating but cooling down right away?

1999 SATURN SC1
138,000 MILES
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SCOOTER13
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When I drive my car the temp gauge goes to hot and the fan kicks in but after about 10 seconds the temp gauge goes back to normal and the fan stops. It does this quite often each day. I was thinking it would possibly be the thermostat but im not quite sure.
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:28 PM
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RASMATAZ
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-Check and test thermostat and coolant temperature sensor-
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:34 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Just to add to this one the fan should come on when the temp gauge is just over half way on the gauge is that where the fan is coming on?Also those engines are known for bad coolant temp sensors and leaking into the connectors and corroding them.
Nov 28, 2011 at 12:09 AM
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SCOOTER13
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Yes, and the needle goes all the way and then goes back to 1/4. Thank you
Nov 28, 2011 at 12:23 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Running up just past half and the fan coming on is the normal range.Doesn mean your coolant temp sensor is good though because that engine uses one sensor for the gauge and the computer.So if its overheating you would never know it.The sensor is like 11 if you wanted to change it.I have owned my 1999 saturn SL2 for 6yrs and have put 3 coolant temp sensors in it so far.Just to give you an idea of how often they fail.
Nov 28, 2011 at 12:31 AM
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