2004 POntiac Grand Am 3.4L Overheating/losing coolant

Asked by Dan Aug 14, 2018 at 04:47 PM about the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am SE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2004 Pontiac Grand Am. Overheating and losing coolant. I've replaced the water pump, thermostat, temp sensor, and overflow reservoir. I've bypassed the heater core and still same problem. When starting from cold the temp spikes to about 230-240 before it goes back to normal operating temp of 200-ish. If I let it idle to temp it runs fine after the initial temp spike, and if I drive from cold it spikes at 260 (with warning light) and starts to lose fluid through the reservoir, then it runs fine. I had it pressure tested, and I do have a small leak in the gasket (thanks Dex-cool), but no other signs of a blown gasket. No white smoke or coolant smell in the cabin. No coolant in the oil. Fans are working as they should. Once it's up and running at normal operating temp I do not lose fluid. No puddles under while parked. The hoses are a bit soft, but otherwise in good shape. I also have a misfire trouble code, but not sure if that is related or just needs a tune-up. I'd hate to put $1000's into replacing the gasket and heater core and worry that still may not solve the problem.

3 Answers

20

https://www.amazon.ca/Lisle-75500-Combustion-Leak- Detector/dp/B0007ZDRUI/ref=asc_df_B0007ZDRUI/?tag=googleshopc0c- 20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=234376523249&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=45867308018755 95153&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001286&hvt argid=pla-293946777986&psc=1

2 people found this helpful.
10

I will just say this described my problems to a T, but I bypassed the heater core and it solved my problems luckily. Wish anyone the best who experiences this with theirs. We literally tried everything until there was nothing left but the heater core even though every symptom was saying it wasn't the heater core. Bypassing it helped.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Grand Am

Looking for a Used Grand Am in your area?

CarGurus has 6 nationwide Grand Am listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    10,950
  • #2
    james sparrow
    Reputation
    2,360
  • #3
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    2,280
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 593 listings starting at $10,989
Used Pontiac G6
15 listings starting at $7,999
Used Pontiac GTO
2 listings

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.