GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Q: Why does my A/C fan switch only work on high? A: This problem could be a result of a faulty switch, but more than likely it is one of the relays in the fan circuit or fan motor, or the fan motor resistor. Q: Why does my car never heat up? A: You probably have a faulty thermostat. A thermostat that is stuck open will allow the coolant to constantly circulate and overcool. The thermostat should shut to allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature before reopening. You may have a faulty sensor indicating an incorrect temperature. Q: Why does my car overheat? A: You may have a faulty thermostat or low coolant. The thermostat may be stuck closed and won't allow the coolant to circulate. The ignition timing may be too advanced. This causes excessive combustion chamber temperatures. The water pump may be bad and not circulating the coolant. The radiator may be clogged with sediments or other obstructions such as corrosion. You may have a faulty sensor indicating an incorrect temperature. Q: Why Does my fully charged a/c not cool enough? A: Your A/C condensor cooling fan may be out, or your A/C is freezing up. Q: Why does my heater not heat up? A: Poor coolant circulation is a likely culprit. The coolant must be heated by the engine and flow to the heater core to transfer the thermal energy to the driver's compartment. Low coolant, faulty water pump, and obstructions in the cooling system cause poor circulation. Q: Why is my car low on antifreeze? A: Your radiator cap may be faulty. Once heated, the coolant is not contained by the radiator cap and expands to the reservoir until it becomes over full. Your car may be leaking coolant. Common areas for leaks are the water pump, heater core, hoses, radiator, or head gasket. If you have no visible signs of leakage, ie. puddle of coolant under your car, your car may be consuming coolant. Consumption is typical with a head gasket leak. Coolant leaks into the combustion chamber and exits through the exhaust system. An engine will normally be operating very weak under this condition. Another possibility is a heater core leak. Coolant may leak and spill on your floor board and be absorbed in your carpet. You may also notice an oily film forming on the inside of your windshield when the heater core goes bad.