I was wondering if someone could tell me the range for normal temperature on my temp gauge in my 04 Monte Carlo 3.4 V6. When it's in idle, like when I go through the drive thru of a restaurant, the gauge will be pushing a little over half and go back down and repeat. Can someone tell me if this is normal? I feel like my car is overheating when this happens

 

Little over half is fine. Halfway SHOULD be around 195 which is the thermo setting to open.

If you haven't done a coolant flush in the past 5 years, I would get it done as proper maintenance of the system, and peace of mind.

 

x2 My 2001 3.4 behaves the same way

 

Do check the coolant level in the radiator when it's cold, fill it all the way up to the cap if needed that'll help reduce the fluctuation. Also that's a sign that the water pump isn't at 100% operating level. My 03 Monte 3400 spent 99% of its life with the needle just below the halfway mark and it didn't fluctuate like yours.

 

mine always peaks right under 200 deg F at idle.......

 

Good to know I'm not the only one. Recently I drained some antifreeze out and put more in. I filled the radiator and filled the reservoir up to the line. I was afraid that the engine was overheating. Thanks!

 

Does your Monte have the original engine/tranny? I'm just curious because of the mileage haha

 

Yes it does have original engine & tranny..... and I am at 223,6xx now. I also have my milage noted in my signature below "223K". I am the 2nd owner & purchased it in 2006 with 34,000 miles

 

Dang that is awesome. I hope mine lasts that long! I just hit 119k a couple of days ago.