Overheating Problem...Please HELP!

[walsh.travis]

About two months ago I was driving my 2008 Solstice GXP and all of the sudden the water temperature light came on indicating the car was running at 255 degrees. I immediately pulled over and turned the car off and the problem went away, or so I thought.
So a month goes by with no problems, then I started to notice a pattern. I leave work to go home for lunch everything is fine. Eat (about 30 mins) then drive back to work and the car consistently 3 out of 5 days overheated to 250-260 degrees. I took the car to my local dealership, and they say cannot recreate the problem so we cannot fix it.
This sounds like a bad thermostat to me, but if they cannot make the car show a code or overheat they will not do anything.

This past weekend through my entire theory out when the first time I turned the car on it overheated to 272 degrees and I smelt anti-freeze. I took the car back in for service and they informed me they cannot recreate the problem.

My question to all of you is what happens if my engine blows? I have 8,400 miles on my car so I know warranty I am well within warranty. Hypothetically, would GM buyback my car? Or would they simply try to replace the engine, which I am not interested in at all.

With less than 10,000 miles on the car I should not have to put up with this!!

Your comments and suggestions on how best to handle this are much appreciated.

[shabby]

I took a video when this was happening, then the dealer changed the thermostat. Thats about the only way you can prove to them that its overheating.

[walsh.travis]

Thanks, Shabby that is what I am considering doing, but does anyone have an idea if the car overheats and blows the motor am I covered under warranty?

[AZDarkSol]

Originally Posted by walsh.travis Thanks, Shabby that is what I am considering doing, but does anyone have an idea if the car overheats and blows the motor am I covered under warranty?

Your car is obviously under full warranty and you are doing what you can by going to the dealer. As long as you or others have not modified your coolant system...not to worry. You said you smelt anti-freeze. Any drop in coolant level?

I lost my water pump on my '07 and I smelt it as well..finally the pump seal blew and puked antifreeze all under my car. Full warranty replacement.

Just make sure you do not drive it when it fails again. The owners manual is clear about shutting down to let it cool off.

[walsh.travis]

Now that you mention it, after the most recent overheating I did add some anti-freeze to the resouvoir. It was a little low, but by no means empty.

The car is at the dealership right now and they say they cannot find any problems. And I am sure they would let me know if the water pump needed to be replaced.
Thanks for the info on shutting down the car, I had no idea it would void the warranty.

[chuckdoc]

This is the third thread on the same thing. It would be nice if a moderator could combine them all into one thread as it will show the number of people with this problem as well as a solution when found.

After reading through them all I think some have a bad thermostat, some a failing water pump seal and some a bad sending unit.

I wonder which one I have? When my warranty is up, I will just pay to have the thermostat replaced as that is my best bet. Only happened once to me. Temp shot to 260 and dropped down to normal after a few minuets. Also happened after only driving about 1.5 miles so it is doubtful it is a water pump as the water pump is gear driven and other than vanes falling off it has to be spinning. A leak would take more than I 1.5 miles so thermostat is my best guess.

I just never want the "failure to duplicate" response.

[BuzzardT]

Well I have noticed that if I turn my temp control to about 3/4 the Temp gague will go between 196 and 208..it normaly runs at 196. If i turn the temp control all the way up the temp will go between 210 and 220. But when I turn the Temp control back off the temps all ways got back to normal at 192 to 196.

[snaponbob]

Originally Posted by walsh.travis Now that you mention it, after the most recent overheating I did add some anti-freeze to the resouvoir. It was a little low, but by no means empty. The car is at the dealership right now and they say they cannot find any problems. And I am sure they would let me know if the water pump needed to be replaced. Thanks for the info on shutting down the car, I had no idea it would void the warranty.

ASK THE SERVICE MANAGER TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME ONE NIGHT. Then they will see it happen. If it takes a long drive to duplicate the problem they won't send a tech out for a one hour test drive. Trust me, this should help you.

[walsh.travis]

Well my car is still at the dealership and they said the service manager drove it for about half an hour and had no luck. The worst thing about it is the inconsistent overheating. My real beef with GM is that they are risking seizing a new engine because they are too cheap to put in a 30 dollar thermostat.
The dealership suggested me driving the car in the next time it is overheating, but based on AZDarkSol's reply if the engine overheats you are required to pull over. Damned if I do, damned if i don't.

[snaponbob]

Originally Posted by walsh.travis Well my car is still at the dealership and they said the service manager drove it for about half an hour and had no luck. The worst thing about it is the inconsistent overheating. My real beef with GM is that they are risking seizing a new engine because they are too cheap to put in a 30 dollar thermostat. The dealership suggested me driving the car in the next time it is overheating, but based on AZDarkSol's reply if the engine overheats you are required to pull over. Damned if I do, damned if i don't.

Have them duplicate YOUR driving habits. One thing worth checking is the odometer to see if they DO drive the car as requested. If they simply decide (for you) to warranty the thermostat it is simply a matter of punching in the correct warranty codes and they will be paid. It truly is that simple. Ask them the following question; "If you want me to bring the car in while it's overheating will YOU assume all risk and responsibility?". If they say YES, get it in writing. Then if you blow the snot out the engine, they replace it, and you are only out the time involved. Oh, get it in writing that they will supply you with a loaner while they are correcting the problems. GM will be a bit MORE pissed at them if they have to buy an engine vs. a thermostat.

[walsh.travis]

Bob, great minds think alike because that was my next move when I pick the car up tomorrow. I will get in writing from the service manager on dealer letterhead specifying I am instructed to bring the car in when it is overheating and they will assume all liabilities if any damage occurs while doing so. Thanks again

[snaponbob]

Originally Posted by walsh.travis Bob, great minds think alike because that was my next move when I pick the car up tomorrow. I will get in writing from the service manager on dealer letterhead specifying I am instructed to bring the car in when it is overheating and they will assume all liabilities if any damage occurs while doing so. Thanks again

BTW, don't anticipate a bunch of smiley faces or or .

More like

[folkxrock]

I have the same issue with my 2007 GXP, but I am actually looking forward to the motor barfing - If GM wants to install a new 2.0 in my car, that is cool with me

[Thomas]

I think the best thing is to video if you can... driving it while it is overheating is not a good idea... even if it doesnt sieze up while taking it to the dealer it could decrease the engine life.

also next time it happens turn the heater on full blast... see if its blowing really hot.. if not than its most likely your thermostat.

[rob the elder]

Check the fans to see if they are moving air. Check for leaks. Go to a high idle and run water on the radiator. You want to avoid heat concentration in the head and potential warping of the head or valves. If you just shut down there is no coolant flowing and heat cant get out of the high heat areas.