1998 Saturn SL1 Saturn Problem

DANTILLETT

MEMBER
1998 SATURN SL1
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
98,000 MILES

While driving on the highway, the temperature of my saturn keeps at 1/4 (the normal temperature); upon making at stop(while engine is still running) the temperature starts increasing. If the engine is kept running while parked, the temperature will keep increasing and the coolant will spill from the reservoir. The cooling fan will come in as soon as the gauge shows 3/4. However, the fan will only keep for 1-2 minutes. What is the possible reason for this problem? Would it be the head gasket or the water pump or the radiator?

1 Reply

KEVIN12881

MEMBER
336 POSTS

Regardless of why your engine is overheating, your fan should continue to run once the temperature is met. If the car is overheating, the fan should run and it most newer cars it will run even after the car is turned off if the temperature is over 185-200 or more like 225 for overheat. It all depends on what the car is set to run at. Does your car overheat if you are moving? It sounds like you fan relay is bad. Not your head gasket, Could be thermostat, radiator, water pump, belt, or more, but in either case your fan should stay on if you are overheating. If you do not overheat on the move. Your problem is the fan. Get the fan fixed, or put on a toggle.