QuestionI have a '99 Cirrus and the temp gauge is running low. Coincidentaly, two of the three fan speeds quit on me. The only speed that works is full. It gets heat, I just can't control it.
AnswerHi Jim,
The temp gauge running low may mean that the thermostat is opening too early (too low a temp) or is stuck open. I'll add the instructions for that at the end.
The blower running only on high is the blower motor resistor block burning out. It costs around $20. I'll tell you about that too:
I assume you have the 2.5L V-6.
If you start at the coolant filler neck at its base, go toward the driver's side where you will pass the temp sensor on the top of housing and then a little further in the same direction you will see an elbow with a large water hose, held in place on the front of the same housing by 3 bolts. Remove those bolts and the housing and there you will find the thermostat. It may be hidden underneath the large air inlet tube.
To remove, drain the system till you believe that you have lowered to the housing level (maybe about 3 quarts, collect in a pan and save for reuse). Before you do the draining procedure, start the engine and turn the heater setting to full heat so as to open the heater's water valve line. Then turn off the engine. Then open the radiator drain and watch for overflow bottle to drain first, then open filler cap to drain the required amount to get the level down to the thermostat housing level. (Draining it this way will help prevent air bubbles in the system). Then remove the elbow and clean the surfaces,note the position of the old thermostat, then put in new thermostat with the vent notch facing upward, check o-ring or gasket as case may be, then install the elbow tightening bolts to about 9 foot pounds, then refill the system thru the filler neck and add additional to the overflow bottle. Start the engine and check for leaks at the housing.
The latest manual I have for the Cirrus is from '96 but I would believe it applies to your car as regards the resistor block. The manual says that it is on the lower right side of the heater housing, mounted such that the resistors are in the air outlet stream of the blower so as to keep them cool. Look for the wire from the blower housing nearby and it will lead you to the resistor block. To access it you would want to remove the right underpanel silencer/duct which will otherwise block your view. There is a push-in fastener for that at the right far end of the silencer (if it has a round center button, pry out gently on the button to release the fastene); (alternatively you may find instead 4 fasteners all facing up from underneath, two screws on the front, two sheet metal nuts on the rear; I can't be sure of this detail); and then manuever the entire part off the duct it attaches to at the center floor distribution duct. The block is held in place by a couple of screws, so first pull the plug and then remove screws and drop it down out of the heater housing.
Please let me know if this doesn't prove correct.
Roland
