2001 Suzuki Vitara high temp

2001 SUZUKI VITARA
136,600 MILES • 4 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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SUES
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While driving in the warm weather with the heater off, the temp in my car rises to the red zone. When I turn the heater on, the temp goes down. I had a new thermostat installed last week. The fluids were drained and replaced and I believe the water pump is just 3 months old.
Apr 1, 2010 at 6:40 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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Since the heater is removing heat from the coolant, it suggests there isn't enough cooling taking place in the radiator. Two common causes are the radiator fan is not turning on if it is electric or the clutch is defective if it is belt-driven, or the fins of the radiator are rotted away. If the fan is the problem, the engine will run cooler at highway speeds. If the cooling fins are the problem, the engine will tend to run hotter at highway speeds or when under load.

caradiodoc
Apr 1, 2010 at 6:58 AM
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