Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting OVERHEATING?!!!?!??

ok. the gauge on the car has a loooooooooong "NORMAL" range has all good contour owners know. the needle in the gauge goes alll the way to the last bit of the L. Then the fans come on and bring the needle to the M, and it will repeat the process until i shut off the car. I have changed the thermostat, 2 sensors, Brand New spark plugs, new coolant. When it reaches the point of 218 degrees the fans come on(that is the point of the L) My mechanic has said that it is fine if it doesn't go over 225 degrees. the gauge never goes to the Red Zone. I'm worried out of my mind and no one knows the problem. I brought it to 3 mechanics and they all say "don't worry" the fans come on when they are supposed to. I NEED HELP!!!!

Which 2 sensors have you changed?...Besides new coolant, did you have the system flushed? Have you tried your water pump? They are known to go bad.

Welcome to CEG!

Engine?
Year?
Miles?

Sounds to me like the low speed fan circuit is not working.
That would mean the temp has to go up higher before you get fans. Check the low speed relay behind the battery.

Besides car info, you don't describe conditions when you see gauge go from M > L - FANS ON - L > M. Usually fans activate on low speed with a one letter movement on gauge when car is idling.

If temp is on M for normal driving then everything sounds normal, but a check of slow speed fan operation, as previuosly mentioned, seems prudent. Finger tips on both high and low speed relays (engine compartment fuse box) as car heats up and fans come on should tell the story. Slow speed utilizes a dropping resistor mounted on lower driver's corner of fan shroud which has been a problem for some members.

Believe early models had recall re fans/resistor best to check VIN at dealer to determine if applicable to your car.

EDIT: Please respond on member's duplicate thread responses continue here