2 more questions. The heat isnt strong. I figure maybe its the thermostat or heater core. Also, the oil gauge fluctuates when coming to an idle position but when you hit the gas, it raises. any ideas?

 

That gauge is for oil pressure, obviously when the engine is under load the oil will be under more pressure to shoot around and lube up all the moving parts.

The heat isn't strong? Is the car up to normal operating temperature before you say this? (halfway on the temp gauge)

 

It is perfectly normal on all cars for the oil pressure to drop at idel, and raise when you are on the gas.

If you are at normal operating temp (or as high as it will go for you) then it could be a few things. First if your gauge is NOT going to the middle, then you need a new thermostat. If it is going to the middle, and you still are not getting good heat, maybe you have air in the system, so in that case I would bleed the system.

As a general rule (that I would follow), since you bought the car used, i'd change all the fluids: coolant, oil, tranny fluid.

Do you have the N/A 3.8L or the supercharged 3.8L? I'm guessing the N/A 3.8L only because you have the surfboard spoiler...

 

Welcome, and congrats!

 

Isn't it obvious that he has the mighty N/A 3.8? I mean honestly, look at his picture there isn't the word supercharged next to his SS on the side panel, it's just simply an SS

 

The temp gauge is not reaching the middle of the gauge. There is no smell of coolant. The air that does blow out is not hot, but is not cold, but it is warm enough to clear the windshield. The Air conditioning is running cold.

Is replacing the thermostat is an easy fix? Im not car expert, but i have been able to do "easy" work such as changing out modules in my trailblazer, as long as a walk through is provided. Maybe, I can try replacing thermostat as a starting point.

It is the non-superchanged 3.8 engine.

 

If its not going to the halfway point, then you need to replace the thermostat, it sounds like its stuck open.

It is a super easy job. Literally two bolts, and the thermostat housing comes off, and its right there. You just pop out the old tstat, and put in the new one.

I recommend flushing your cooling system at the same time, just as good maintenance. Especially since you have no idea when the last time is that it was changed, or if its ever been changed.

 

awesome. is there any diagrams online that show the housing location? I have ebayed the haynes manual, but not yet arrived. i just feel more comfortable with a walk through of sorts.

actually, i found this walk through, seems easy enough. http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...ostat-location

 

Went to install an iPod adapter through stereo. Does removing the stereo from factory harness inable a security feature? After removing the stereo and putting dash back together, went to start the car, but will not turn from the off position in the ignition.

 

good luck, wish you miles of fun.