ok so my check engine light came on which in itself isnt a big deal but i watched my gauges and such and it appears that either my thermostat is stuck or is actually broken...also i noticed that my cooling fans are running long after i have turned the car off and i dont think i am running the car hard enough for it to overheat...any suggestions?

 

may be stuck open, probably need to change a thermostat

 

I would change the tstat and go for a 180* tstat while you are at it. They cost about 10 bucks and all you do is unbolt the t-stat housing (follow your upper radiator hose to a round, grey, metal component) which consists of 2 bolts. You will have some coolant spill out. Just pry the t-stat out with a screwdriver and pop the new one in.

You will bleed the radiator when done using by loosening the brass fitting on it and pumping the hose a few times or running the engine.

 

change the t-stat AND the coolant temp sensor(this could be the problem too if the check engine light is on and you may as well change it when your there anyway, its a cheap part)

 

yeah i was going to say about the temp sensor... cause that would explane your gauge and the fans staying on.

 

Try AAMCO, they give free diagnostics.

 

thanx for your help guys i swapped out the thermostat and the sensor...everything seems good again

 

AWESOME!!!! Feels good not to drop $125 on a job like that.

 

hey!

any pics where the thermostat is located? i wanna try to do it but i didnt find any spot where its located

Thanks

 

follow the upper radiator hose to the engine...it is in the housing right at the end of the hose