My car is a 1996 Deville 4.6 liter V-8, it has 114,000 miles, auto trans. I recenlty replaced the radiator, in the last week I noticed that the temp has been rising, between 201 to 206 on the freeway and at time goes up between 212 and 222 on surface streets. At one point it went up to 232, it doesnt get to the point of steaming and has no leaks that I can see. There is coolant. I have had this car for 9 months now. Is this normal not used to the digital readout. I have not changed the spark plugs since I have gotten it, can this cause the problem if it is a problem.

Thanks for any help

Well Wolf

It usually varies a few degrees from car to car from what i have seen. As far as the temperature being 212-222 in traffic or normal city driving thats pretty normal. My 97 Deville is usually between 196-205 city 205-224 in traffic it doesn't help that i live in Florida. Now on the highway my car never goes over 196 usually stays between 190-196. Now the fact that it got up to 232 at one point sound like you might have a problem because the fans are suppose to kick on at the 224 mark. I could be wrong but If I am Ranger will be in here pretty soon. He know a lot more than do and he is usually in every post. Hopes that this helps you.

:)

With the exception of the 232, your temps look perfectly normal. Keep an eye on it.

If it is the fans not going on, how can I fix this problem? Is it a hard fix or would I be better getting a mechanic? Thank you for the quick replies you guys are a very big help.

If you suspect the fan I would let the car idle with the hood up and watch the temp until it goes up to 220 or so and shine a flashlight on the fan(s) to see if they click on at or near 222-224 (that's when mine go on). If they don't go on and the temp keeps climbing, you may have a fan issue.

Scott

Thanks I will try that out and let you know. Appreciate the help

One more, how is your AC switch set - to NORM or ECON?

It makes a big difference as to the temp the computer attempts to regulate to.

If you are running in NORM (AC is on), the fans will run and it will attempt to keep the temp at the thermostat level, 197 degrees.
If you are runnin in ECON (AC is off), the fans will not turn on until about 220 degrees, then pull the temp down to about 197 and turn back off!