1979transam

iTrader: (19)

I have a 02 c5 z06, car kept getting hot at lights, and once i got going it would cool back down, hottest it got was 230 and i shut it off, checked the fans and they aren't working, i have check the fuses and relays and they are fine, so what do you guys think it would be? temp sensor? thats really the only other thing i figured it would be

Thanks,
Billy

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Is the car stock? Stock programming on the fans was 232 for fan 1 to come on and 242 for fan 2 to come on. Better double check that to make sure.

Have you popped the hood while the a/c was on? Do this and check to see if your fans are running. I believe the a/c on commands both fans to run at low speed.

BTW, ls1's ls6's were meant to run hotter STOCK. Less emissions.


Best of luck, hope its that simple and not a problem you have to throw any money at.

230 ain't hot bro. Now if you were in the 250's consistently.

One more thing you could always let the car sit and idle until the temp comes up to 232 and see if fan 1 kicks on high speed. Again good luck.

twitchtwice

iTrader: (12)

yes do what he said. if you ac is on, your fans should be too. easiest way to check.

1979transam

iTrader: (19)

Well i guess that's my problem man, i didn't know the fans didn't kick on until 230 thats crazy, i didn't know that 230 was operating temp for these cars haha, thanks for the information man! guess they are fine

Billy

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Well don't just take my word for it, go verify that they are working. What was the weather like the day you saw 230 at the light? Was it hot, were you babying your car? If it was hot and you were ripping around I could understand the heat being up there. If you were babying it and it was cool out I'd still be concerned. I probably start by checking my coolant level and if its low start up the car, leave the coolant fill cap off and top off. Watch the level. Add until the level stays steady. Once the level is staying even or steady then just leave the car running for awhile until all air is out of the system. Replace the coolant cap and continue to leave the car running. Watch the temps and after the STAT has opened and closed a few times re check your coolant level. Repeat this until your coolant level is correct and all air is out of the system. Air in the system greatly reduces the cooling systems ability to cool.

One last thing to check if none of the above applies, see if you radiator is beat up or looking kind of rough. Air flow could be disrupted. Also make sure no obstructions are caught in the radiator such as leaves, paper, plastic. Anything can happen. Lets just rule out all the obvious. Let us know what you find. Best of luck and enjoy that car.

1979transam

iTrader: (19)

It was around 70 last night, and it has been doin it since i got the car, didn't really think anything of it, i do know it was running horrible last night thats when i looked down and once again it was hot, so i listened for the fans at around 220 and they still werent on, Thanks alot for your help man, really appriciate it, ill try these and let you know

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Sounds like you are new to the Vette. One other caution, the radiator/AC condenser is like a vacuum cleaner. Put the car on ramps and look up there to make sure it isn't clogged with crap. Best way is to pull the top support and forward shroud then you have full access. Some guys have to clean these twice a season. I have had plastic bags go under the front of the car and not out the back, as soon as that happens I know where the bag went!!!

1979transam

iTrader: (19)

Well this is my second z06 but i never worked on it or anything, so yes im new to them haha, ill try checking the condenser

1979transam

iTrader: (19)

vettenuts sounds like you were right man, the condenser had about 2inch of grass, gravel, hay, it was pretty bad, i cleaned it all up, so i guess we will see now, thanks for all your help guys,

Billy

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

I'll bet you never see 230's like that again unless its 100 out and you are beating on it or stuck in traffic. Probably going to run around about 192 degrees, and may see low 200's like up to 208 under normal conditions. If the normal driving starts pushing that 208 number higher or your driving around 192 higher, you know what to do. Re clean the condenser.

Very glad it was a quick simple fix. Now get out there and have some fun.

1979transam

iTrader: (19)

Drove the car tonight and it seems to be fine, highest it got was 221, but stayed around 210 if i let it sit for awhile, but crusing around it was around 192 so i guess i got it fixed, put a vararam on it to, was very happy with the results, once again guys thanks for your help!

billy

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Well it looks like my 192 while driving and plenty of air moving over the rad and 208 when doing some stop and go driving was dead on !! Question, what were you doing when the temp got to 221? Were you getting on it and then came to a stop light a few times, or were you sitting for an extended amount of time? How warm was it when you were cruising?

You pick up a few things after owning the same vette for 10 years.

1979transam

iTrader: (19)

It hasen't been really hot here, in the 70s, and i set at a light for like 5mins when it got that hot, i let it run for about 15min last night while i washed it, it was around 60 outside and the highest it got was 221 then droped back down to 210-212, this normal? my buddy has HPtuners so i think im gonna have him set the fans to come on alittle earlier

Billy

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Considering its stock, I say leave it alone. GM set it that way for a reason. Once you go changing a few things and adding some power which in turn adds heat then I'd say swap stats and re program fans. Until then just enjoy your car.

One thing I've always been curious about was what a stock c5 or c5z would gain from adding just a UD pully and EWP. You'd get improved gas mileage and much quicker reving.

1979transam

iTrader: (19)

Well it seems to be doing fine, i have a few other questions for ya man, seem to know your stuff when it comes to these cars, when me and my buddy pulled the shroud off yesterday that covers the condenser and radiator there was 2 sensors on there, 1 for the engine bay light and there was another one. You have any idea what this is? Next question is you have any idea were the fuse if for the engine bay light because it dosen't work now and the map lights in the interior don't work either so im assuming those 2 are in 1 fuse

Thanks,
Billy

Thanks,
Billy

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Well you got me on that one and since I don't have my owners manual with me I can't reference it. Maybe Vettenuts can chime in ? Or somebody else ?

slt200mph

iTrader: (42)

2 fuse box one is under the hood and another under the carpet on the pass side foot well.

1979transam

iTrader: (19)

I found the fuse its #2 fuse under the dash so i got that fixed! thanks for the help everyone!

Billy