Upon being given the advice on this forum of "Drive it like you stole it" because of oil loss and engine noise, I have been doing so. Three days ago while the AC was on, the engine temp guage went 3/4 of the way to the red line. I shut the AC off and the guage went back to half way where it usually resides and stayed there. On my way home from work today, I was driving in my usual lead-footed manor and "Engine Hot - AC Off" appeared on the DIC. The air wasn't even on. This time the temp guage needle pointed at the last white hash mark on the dash before the red (you can tell I'm no mechanic by the non-technical terms i am using) and the A/C wasn't even on. The coolant level is fine and orange as can be (79K btw) and there are no leaks or anything when I park. Is this a sign of the end? I owe 4 more years on this car and if it's going to start breaking down, I will have it traded in before you can say "New engine"
I dont know how/where codes are and aside from putting gas in and getting the oil changed I am clueless about cars so dummy speak is needed in any responce
Oh, and BTW, the DIC thermometer was telling me it was 79 degrees outside when it was actually 101 (I got a new OAT sensor, but it still seems to be off)... can that be a factor?
HELP Cadillac Gurus! :worship:

Dont panic yet...

1. Do you have any codes?

2. Start with the basics:
Open the hood, start the car and turn on the AC...your electric fans should turn on as well...if they are not coming on this is deffinatly where you need to start.
If they are functioning your problem is more then likley eiher the water pump or the thermostat.

PS...as long as you dont drive it when it complains about being too hot it wont be "a sign of the end"; however if you do let the temp needle climb deep into the red your repair bill will go up as well

Yes Please listen to the man, if the car is running hot DO NOT "drive it like you stole it" I had that problem and it was my water pump.

Or maybe the water pump belt?
Check the little belt on the drivers side of the engine.

Regards,
Rich

First lesson is do not rely on the color of the coolant. In days of old, you could do that as the cast iron engines would begin to rust and discolor the coolant as it lost corrsion protection. As we all know, aluminum will corrode but does not rust, thus coolant will lok new even 20 years later, long after it has lost its anti-corrosion capabilty.

Now do a search for overheating. Many simple things to check before you write off the engine. Post back any questions.