Saturn Repair: 93 Saturn SC2 overheating issue, saturn sc2, 93 saturn sc2

Question
QUESTION: Hello-my Saturn suddenly began overheating on a not very warm day four weeks ago.  The temperature light came on,& I could smell anti-freeze while driving.  When I shut it down, a lot of antifreeze boiled out.  I want to start with simple low dollar things to check before I take it to a shop (thermostats, sensors, radiator overflow cap).  I don't have a manual for the car-s o I can't quite figure out where things are that I should check. The only thing I checked so far was to run a fresh 50/50 mix through-and give it a test drive.  It heated up within minutes.  (I am a motorcyclist-so I drive the car very infrequently/very low miles use).  Any suggestions?  Thank you so much-in advance!

ANSWER: Hi Barbara

It is a good possibility that the thermostat may be on the fritz.......also check the temp sensor and wire, we have had issues with frayed wiring.

If you open the hood and look at the engine, the sensor will be on the right side of the head, it's a 2 wire sensor, one wire is yellow......all you have to do is pinch it and pull and the wire will disconnect, look inside and see if the terminals on the connector are corroded (greenish)

Let me know

ERIC

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Eric-thanks for the advice.  That coolant sensor is in a horrible spot.  My hands are all cut up from trying to get to it and I had to remove/move out of the way about four other parts.  The sensor did not fix the problem.  I now suspect my fan is not operating properly (it never kicked on during a test --while the car continued to get hotter).  What should I check with the fan?  Also--Any advice on replacing the thermostat as far as tools needed --access to it--best practice??

Answer
Hi Barbara

You really didn't need to remove anything to get to the sensor lol, If I were there I could have shown you a little trick hehehe. Anyway, you have to check the fan fuse, and relay to make sure they are in good order, next, make sure the connector to the fan is not corroded, or the wiring is not frayed or cut. you have to make sure the fan gets power, and if the power is getting to the fan and the fan does not turn on then you fan is the problem......also you need no special tools to get to your thermostat, just be a contorsionist,,you have to bend in wierd ways  lol...but it's easy

write me back

ERIC