1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Temperature Spikes

1996 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
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A_HAMMOND
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Engine Cooling problem
1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE with a 3.1 V6 engine. I have been having temperature spikes for some time now. I have had the intake manifold gasket replaced, and a new thermostat put in; but seems the spikes are worse now. The spikes come when sitting at idle. Only time I don't see spikes is when I have the A/C going. What do you think could be a possibility causing the spikes??
Jun 27, 2009 at 3:21 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Check to make sure the cooling fans are working.
Jun 28, 2009 at 6:47 AM
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A_HAMMOND
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mmprince; I just checked the fans. One comes on when the gauge is at the last line before the red zone, and shuts off again, when it cools to 210. If you are sitting in the driver's seat; it would be the left fan that comes on. However, standing in front of the car looking at the engine; would be the right one.
Jun 28, 2009 at 12:18 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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One possibility is that the gauge sender is not working properly.

If you can get the car scanned in live data mode, see what the coolant temp is, most cars have a sender for the gauge and one for the PCM.

If PCM gauge reads normal, then gauge sender is bad.

Another possibility is the fan switch.
Jun 29, 2009 at 8:07 AM