When I drive my car stays around 160ish temp. But when I sit in traffic it starts to rise steadily until around 250ish, then when I start driving it goes back down. Does anyone elses car do that? I plan on getting a 160 thermostat, would that solve the problem. Thanks.

 

Yes.. It will help.....Also check on a program that turns your fan on sooner, too...

 

Are you running the air conditioning?

 

Unfortunately, no. That won't solve your problem. I have a 160 T-stat in mine, and it's definitely cooler but only when the car is moving. It will still heat up in traffic. Water flow alone won't cool it The only way to change that is to change the temp when your fans kick in or install a manual fan switch.

So, your car is acting normal.

 

What he said. Just because you have a 160° stat, doesn't guarantee that the water in your radiator is a cool 160°. That is why when you start moving, it cools the radiator and cools the engine. Like WestCoast said, the only way to keep it cool is by a fan switch or reprogram.

 

exactly, have your pcm tuned to turn fans on earlier and throw in a bottle of water wetter.

 

have you had any cooling system problems? going up to 250 seems like thats a lil high. mine goes to 210, maybe. 250 is damn near the end of the guage. check all the normal things, radiator hoses, coolant level, etc... how old is the water pump? have you noticed any leaks or smell coolant? when my radiator went out, i leaked alot and smelled coolant in the car, especially if the ac was on. try replacing the hoses if needed, and flush the cooling system. like the other guys said, have the fans programmed to come on sooner, or just put in a switch for them. either works