I have a 1988 Trans Am GTA that I just reassembled the entire front end. Today I was changing the transmission fluid and the engine began to get hot. I got the transmission fluid to the appropriate level and when I turned off the engine the water/antifreeze mix in the overfill tank was boiling it was so hot. The temperature inside the car still read 100 degrees and the fans didn't come on. However, when I turned the car on a little while ago the fans ran and the temp gauge appeared to work. Am I missing a fuse or do I need what my friend says I need (a new sending unit)?

Let me know what you guys think. I knew it was getting too hot, but he assured me a v8 shouldn't be getting hot that quick. I guess I should go with my own judgement on that from now on since he only owns Hondas. LOL

 

Boiling into the overflow isn't a good sign. The gauge is on a completely different circuit from the CTS and the fan switch, so maybe you have some larger electrical problem?

 

Would a quick solution be to hook the fans up to a 12 volt toggle? I know I want the temperature and everything to work, but I was hoping to be driving it soon.

If I wanted to fix the problem all together, where should I start? Check the fan wires, make sure everything is hooked up? I searched it high and low to make sure everything was plugged back in after putting the engine back in the car.

Thanks for your help!