That's exactly why they put the dye in. Since they've put the dye in and the coolant tabs (basically GM stop leak) I don't think it's used much or any coolant. I am continuing to keep an eye on it though.

As for the temp, it will still periodically get a bit high but now for whatever reason it's generally running around 210 on the highway on flat ground, which isn't too bad. Actually if I drive it a bit hard, the temps go down, not up which seems a bit strange.

 

I seem to remember my coolant never getting above 200 degrees until last week. I was driving around a very hilly town in stop and go traffic and the coolant warning light went off - up around 240 degrees. It cooled back down quickly and the light hasn't come on since. However, it does consistently run in the 200-215 degree range now. I added about a half a container of Dex-Cool 50/50 antifreeze a few days ago, thinking maybe it was a bit low. It didn't have much affect.

I should probably have the system flushed and get new antifreeze - I can't remember when I did it last. Are there any other problems that could be causing the temperature spike, such as thermostat, heater core, etc?

 

240F is the angel of death knocking on the door. Meaning if it ever gets there you better get someone that knows what they are doing to look at it fast.

 

@jerSSey HHR, after reading what you’re going through with your vehicle, I would have all the things you have posted checked out just to be on the safe side. I remember this happening on one of my older (late 90’s) vehicles and it happened to be the thermostat. Please, keep in mind I’m not a technician, but to play on the side of caution I would have all that checked out.

I hope you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve celebrating and be safe.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service
I’ll be out of the office from 4:30pm EST today through 01/01/13.

 

On my commute to work, the temps have stayed under 200 for the most part, with occassional spiking to 210-215 in stop and go traffic. Is this normal?

 

Yes !!!

 

All i did was get some new coolant, and added to the engine. Everything went back to normal after that. I had temp spikes of 240+ when it was -10F outside. It had nothing to do with the temperature outside or if the engine was warm. Almost like a bubble in the system , or erroneous readings.

 

I haven't had any spikes since adding coolant, so everything is good for now.

 

These cars have minuscule cooling systems, at 11-12 quarts. A quart low could reflect higher temps, easily.

 

X 2, & sometimes hard to get every air pocket out of the cooling system..