So here is the issue... I take the GTA to the track tonight, 20 miles away. On the way, after driving about 3 miles I stop to get gas, starts back up temp at 180. Stop after about 10 more miles to adjust tire air pressure, starts back up, but with a little trouble, temp at 200. Get to the track and leave it running for inspection, temp reads 225 +/-. Race cancelled so I hop in and drive home. Temp reading about 230. Turn car off and can hear coolant boiling. SO, secondary fan is not coming on. I unplugged the ac pigtail near the passenger side strut tower and jumped it to try and kick on the second fan, no dice. I turned the AC on and still no secondary. The thermostat I have in it is a 160* and it used to, (last summer) run right around 170* all the time. Oh, and the best part, the car wont start back up for a couple hours. Any thoughts on this fun issue? Thanks!

 

Sounds like it's either the fan relay or the fan motor

 

On my way out to check relay, just read how to do that.

 

I'm currently investigating a similar issue, in a similar car. I drive an '84 T/A with a 350 SBC w/ electric fans that is currently having some overflow boiling. While doing some poking around, I found this: http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox...overheat-1.htm

So far in my case, the first thing I realized was my lack of an Air Dam. Then upon my own inspection today I found that the temperature sensor connected to the radiator hose on the passenger's side has a small leak, which has developed into it's own monster - to the point where when I was inspecting fluids this afternoon I realized I was pretty much empty on coolant. However, the leak is so small and subtle that the coolant leaks out and evaporates as soon as it contacts any heat in the engine bay - which explains why I didn't notice it the first time. Considering you're gradual heat increase over the span of your highway trip, it sounds like you may have a similar issue.

With that said, this is what I'm planning to do with my problem:
1) Fix temp sensor leak
2) Replace (errr.. install?) new Air dam
3) Install 170 degree thermostat

I'll let you know how it turns out. Up until recently, my car also ran around 180 fine. I did notice it running a bit hot on the highway (most likely due to the air dam) but the sensor is something I just recently noticed, and one that has cost me to gradually lose coolant.

 

Tried turning on the AC, no fan. I am having trouble locating the relay box for the fan. From what I have read it is near the break booster on the driver's side firewall. There are like 4 boxes there and I have no idea which one I am supposed to open. AZny help is appreciated! Thanks

 

Can't you follow the wires from the fan to find it? Mine is near the brake booster, but it's also completely jerry rigged to a twist **** and a thermostat jammed in my radiator

Did you check out Willie's cooling fan setup in the sticky? There's a wiring diagram there that could help you. i'm posting on my phone otherwise i'd link it

 

Also check your fan connector the big wide one by the coolant tank mine fryed the ground wire and neither fan worked

 

I will check both of those, and yes I read Willie's post. Very helpful. I am not adept at following "diagrams" though. I learn better with actaul pictures if anyone has any. Thanks!

 

The fan relay has four wires going to it. Fat red one is from the battery through a fused link at the junction area. May as well check that for continuity. Fat black with red stripe is what feeds the power back to the fan positive side when the relay is activated. Skinny purple or brown or whatever is switched 12 volts when key is on, and the green with white stripe wire is from fan switch to provide a ground to trip the relay. You might want to hook 12 volts up directly to the fan to make sure it's not dead also. Happy hunting

 

Thanks Henry. Will report back as soon as i go out to take a look.