Intermittent overheating

STEVESAPS321

MEMBER
2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO
3.6L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
56,000 MILES

Hi I have the car listed above 2LT (V6 automatic). I have been having intermittent overheating issues. I will be driving normally with an average running temperature of about 210* but suddenly my temperature will spike sometimes to ~260* then, if not directly bury itself in the red. I get a warning on my dash saying "high coolant temperature idle engine" before getting "engine overheating stop engine". This has happened about five times. I have only received the "stop engine" message twice. All five times I have received "idle engine" warning. It had been in weather that ranged from overcast and about 70* to sunny and about 85*. It occurred while I was driving in both regular city/urban/suburban environments as well as highway driving.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

If it is happening that quickly, my first suspect is a bad coolant temperature sensor. When this happens, if you turn the engine off, does it seem to be overheated? For example, it the overflow reservoir over full, bubbling, or any sounds coming from the engine? Is the coolant level full?

If there is no indication of overheating other than the gauge, I suspect it is related to a faulty sensor. If you look at the two pics below, it shows how one is replaced on your vehicle.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-coolant-temperature-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-coolant-temperature-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Before you do anything, when the engine is cold, confirm the coolant is full. Also, check the condition of the coolant. If you told me the gauge went slowly to hot, I would think differently. However, since it spikes all at once, I suspect either low coolant or the sensor.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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