There are several possible reasons for overheating. Could be that your water pump is dieing. You can often hear it rattle when it's spinning, or you might be able to feel a lot of play in the pulley.
It could also be a fan problem. The fan motor has died so the fan never "fans". Or it could be a temperature sensor failure and the fan is not being told to turn on.
Basically, if you have an overheating problem, it means that coolant is not being circulated through the engine block, or the coolant is not EFFICIENTLY being circulated, and/or that the cooling system, IE the radiator and/or the fan is not operating correctly.
Do you have coolant in the reservoir? If not, or if it's low, top it off with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. If you add coolant and it goes away quickly, you have a leak in a hose or at the water pump. Are any of the hoses collapsed?
As you can see, I'm rambling here. That's because it's early and I haven't had enough coffee, and because overheating problems can be a bear to troubleshoot.
If I were you, I'd check the obvious. Failing finding a problem, I'd get the car to my mechanic.
Let us know how you do, OK?
FriPilot
the thermostat stuck shut. will cause the car to over heat at ant temp!
I know that on a '96 the fuel filter is an in-line type near the fuel tank. As Pontiac hasn't really altered much on the Sunfire in over ten years, I'd suggest starting there.
Fill your coolant reservoir and the light should turn off. Do it soon or your engine may over heat.
What it will cost you to replace the distributor cap on a Pontiac Sunfire will vary depending on if you do it yourself or if you take it to a garage. The cost can be over $100 if you take your car to a garage.
i have a 2001 pontiac sunfire antitheft problem will not start anttheft light flashs on dash i can turn motor over buy jump starter but will not start
I suggest you go with an over sized bow tie for style points.
at the water pump remove the heat shield over the exhaust manifold and look down and you will see 2 bolts n the housing remove thease and replace the thrmosstat
check your timing
If the passenger seat to a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire is stuck forward, it's important to look for any interference between the track and rail. It is possible that when the seat moved forward the seat moved over the head of the mounting bolt.?æ
To change the license plate light on a Pontiac Sunfire, first remove the cover over the bulb with a small screwdriver. Gently push on the bulb and turn 1/4 turn to remove the old bulb. Insert the new bulb and snap in the cover.
rear end of car over the rear axle support beam just rear of fuel tank
Hi, can you tell us exactly what your question is?