firebird88

Okay, i'm new here and this is car I just have and that I use frequently. So pretty much the problem is when I first start the car the light 'check gages' come on. It goes off but as soon as I start riding it will come on after a while and my speed will deplete, more than likely I have to cut it off and cut it back on and the light will come back on. But if I put it in 1 and kick up speed everything is fine but when I go back to D that's when it slows back down & my engine overheats. No steam or anything just gets hot and the Engine Coolant Temperature Gage goes all the way to red.

How do I fix this? I'm obviously a newbie to car, but I want to learn.

'my old faithful'

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

Have codes and pending codes pulled but my first guess is Coolant Temp Sensor.....especially if it runs like crap....

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Or the Coolant is mixed wrong and it's actually getting hot..it running like crap cause it's leaning out due to it getting hot.

lt1pwr1

iTrader: (1)

You need to figure out why it is overheating. I hope it's not so but it is probably bogging down because it is overheating. Hopefully you didn't blow head gaskets. See if you are low on coolant BUT check it was the car is cooled down. Could be many things: water pump, radiator, rad hoses, etc... HOw many miles on it?

myk

iTrader: (4)

Yeah, don't even start that car up again until you pull the codes and start fixing those problems...

eseibel67

iTrader: (10)

The check guages light is on, the temp guage is hot, the PCM is putting the engine in limp mode because it's hot and dosn't want to be damaged, and your trying to override it by going through an igintion cycle.

Your car is telling you something, but you're not listening. I recommend that you fix your cooling problem before your engine morphs into a boat anchor.

firebird88

113k

when we say pull codes what exactly do we mean by that? Keep in mind i'm a car noob & also if I take it to the shop do you think they'll charge me an arm and leg?

eseibel67

iTrader: (10)

Checking codes it not expensive, however that likely will not pinpint the problem. Overheating is likely a mechanical issue. It might be something minor.

Joshiedoom

iTrader: (4)

http://www.obd-codes.com/faq/what_is_obd.php

406malibu

hmm... is there any other lights on? It sounds to me like a clogged cat (bogging down, over heating, 113k miles)

take it to autozone, they will scan it for free.

firebird88

Thanks everybody, I didn't have time to take my car up there today had to hit work and never got to attending to the bird. Off tomorrow so i'm going to run it up to Autozone and just check back in here.

One last question though, is this a common problem among firebirds?

fleetmgr

"One last question though, is this a common problem among firebirds?"
The overheating part is pretty common, depending on the condition of the car. DON'T let it get hot like that, or you'll be paying for new head gaskets in very short order.

slayerized6

iTrader: (12)

i had the same overheating issue with my '98 last spring; it never went into limp mode though. turned out the radiator was clogged. dont run your car for too long until you pull the codes and find out whats wrong.

nbm99ws6ta

Not just a head gasket bro if you over heat the motor you could end up putting a new motor in it. I would'nt drive the car anywhere but to get the codes pulled.

justin455

It's the truth on not letting it overheat. Iron block, aluminum heads are the worst for blowing head gaskets with just a little heat.