'03 5/3L Runs Hot

Wxman · June 24, 2005

Desperate to hear other's experiences. I live in Tucson where temps are often 100+. My '03 EXT w/ 5.3 runs hot anytime the temp is above about 98. Usually stays steady at the 195 mark, however, when outside temps rise so does the running temp. Not unusual at all to see 230 or even 235 when in slow moving traffic and 100+ outside temps. (I am talking about 3 or 3.5 marks above the 210 center mark.) This is with no load and not towing.

Anyone else see anything close to this? Dealer has reprogrammed PCM and replaced fan clutch, twice. No change. Any ideas appreciated. I can't imagine it is supposed to run this hot and I am only 1500 miles from warranty expiration. Wifes' Malibu doesn't do this. The Silverado rental I just had stayed pegged at 195 as well.

Also, the ignition switch has been replaced three times (and this one needs adjusted). Left me stranded twice with no start due to switch. Junky switches or is something causing to go bad?

Thanks

Wxman

Cool Zr2 · June 24, 2005

They already know of the problem before the warranty ran out, so just keep bringing it back untill it gets fixed, they have to, even if you run the warranty out.

Hotwire · June 24, 2005

have they even checked the coolant level or replaced the thermostat?

Wxman · June 25, 2005

have they even checked the coolant level or replaced the thermostat?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Coolant is fine, radiator and overflow, and I have not had to add. No, on replacing the thermostat. I can't say for sure it was never checked somehow.

Thanks

Wxman

03TRAILEXT · August 1, 2005

Have the belt checked, I had to have mine replaced, heat was 1 on the issues.

Does the belt squeek at all?

Wxman · August 4, 2005

Thanks, I wil make sure they check the belt carefully. I never heard it squeek, but a slipping belt would certainly cause the problem. As of today the TB has been with service department since 30 Jun. Yes, 5 weeks. It has had three fan clutches (two of them the new improved version), new thermostat, flush with flow/water pump check, PCM update and PCM reprogram. Today they replaced the PCM. Not sure if it is fixed or not as the temps were a bit lower today. Even with temps in the mid-nineties the service guys claimed the temp climbed a little bit, but not as much as it had been. Wow, they have gotten the truck to run cooler when the outside temp is 15 degrees cooler, and in only five weeks.

Still hoping for the best.

Wxman