Hi there

Picked up an 02 Avant today and it overheated on the way home from dealers. Can drive at 50mph with temp around 100c but any faster and she gets hot. Also cold air from heaters unless moving then its lukewarm at best even with the setting on HI. If i leave it on idle it will cool down to around 90c again and stay there. Both front fans are working but the big top hose doesnt fell warm and neither does the radiator. Total dunce when it comes to cars so any advise is welcomed.

 

Nobody?

 

Check your coolant level.

 

How do you know what the water temperature is? Water temp gauge does not have any numerical indication, but oil temp does. In US spec car, your oil temp should read between 200F to 250F when warm. 250F when you are flying on freeway with full load... As for the water temp gauge, it should read smack in the middle and no movement. If it jumps around, then you either have a malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor, or have a bad thermostat.

 

Is this a US forum? Didnt realise. Hello my American cousins then!

In the UK spec car the coolant temp has a gauge from 60-120c. Mine was hovering around the 115c unless i drive like a nun and stick to 50 then its around the 90-100c mark.

 

Thermostat seems likely. Any chance the dealer will pay to replace the thermostat? What engine do you have?