| Subject: | Engine Runs Hot after Cooling System Repairs - Check for Proper Thermostat Installation |
| Models: | 2002-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier |
| 2004-2005 Chevrolet Malibu |
| 2002-2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic |
| 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Alero |
| 2002-2005 Pontiac Grand Am |
| 2005 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only) |
| 2002-2005 Pontiac Sunfire |
| with 2.2L Engine (VIN D or VIN F - RPO L61) |
This PI has been revised to remove 2006 Model Year vehicles. Please discard PIP3279B.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
After thermostat replacement, some customers may comment that the temperature gauge reads 235° F (113° C) or higher while driving at highway speeds but returns to 210° F (99° C) or less after an extended idle.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If this concern is encountered, inspect for proper thermostat installation. The nose of the thermostat should go into the thermostat housing, followed by the plastic inner sleeve as in the artwork below, which is from SI Document # 1216240.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
