[Hazlitt777]

My 2014 Cruze has 35,000 on it and it is 0 F. here in Wisconsin. I've noticed that the engine isn't getting up to operational temperature. Have there been issues with this car having the thermostat stick or anything like that? Any thoughts on what the problem could be?

thanks,
Joe

 

[Hazlitt777]

A couple of quick questions:

1) Has anyone touched the cooling system?

2) How long are you driving (not idling) the engine when you observe the low temperature?

3) Are you running the HVAC system fan at speeds three or higher?

4) Have you noticed the radiator fan on?

No to 1 and 4. 15 minutes to 2. And I don't remember as to 3.

There was one time it got over half the way to being in the proper heat range, and then it went backward. That is what made me ask this question. I think I have a problem.

 

[Hazlitt777]

I can't believe it. I wouldn't have believed it without seeing it. It's 2 F here in Green Bay. I drove in 3rd at 30 miles per hour, till I got on the highway and went 70 in 5th. I got it heated up to the proper operating temperature finally. Then I put the heat on wide open on setting 6 and literally watched the temperature gauge go backward very quickly!

Then back in the 30 mph zone I could only keep it in range when i had it on setting 3 of the heat if I kept it in 3rd gear. When I set it on setting two, then I could put it in fourth gear and keep it in the proper heat range.

Wow. This engine is almost a little too efficient! Thanks guys. At least nothings wrong with the thermostat.

From now on, after starting it up in cold weather, I think I will keep the heat on setting one, and drive a gear or two lower than normal till she heats up. I don't like running a car cold too long.

 

[Hazlitt777]

Laugh it up. But I guess one doesn't have to worry about this car overheating. Just crank the heat to wide open on a hot summer day and you won't even need a radiator.

 

[Hazlitt777]

However, there's a old saying "a cold engine is an old engine". You may have accelerated wear if it's not up to operating temperature.

A Grill block would probably be a good idea to improve both.

I don't see any harm to keeping it in a lower gear so as to keep the engine at 2000 rpms when it is cold. That will warm it up, and yet not be putting the rpms so high as to harm the engine. That may be the best solution.

 

[Hazlitt777]

Yeah I was following that. My point was that the heater core only gets as hot as the coolant (and likewise, the engine). So if the thermostat is wide open and coolant is constantly flowing the engine can never reach it's ideal operating temp, therefore the heater core will never warm up enough to heat the air in the cabin.

No the whole point is that the thermostat isn't opening because the engine is too cold...and still the engine can't get up to the proper operating temperature if one has the cabin heater on too soon or too high while tooling around in town.