1996 VS Taking 10 minutes to warm up

[COWSPUD]

Hi all,

Upon starting my 96 VS early morning it takes about 10 minutes for the car to get up to normal driving temperature and about the same time for the heater to heat up, the heater only gets warm and not hot (my old 1991 Daihatsu Applause would only take 3-4 minutes and the heater was nice and hot) is this normal or could there be a problem.

Normal driving temperature is between 1/4 and 1/2 way.

Thanks

 

[fitzy2005]

could check your computer for error codes (mite display coolant temp sensor problem or sumin)

howto check and also list of error codes http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/showpost.php?p=265242&postcount=3

hope this helps

 

[sircruisealotVS]

is it taking 10mins to warming up while at idle?...or 10mins of driving to warm up?
because being an efi engine it doesnt need to sit and warm up, the best thing to do is to drive it as soon as the revs even out when you've started it up (usually takes only a few seconds)...

 

[vt1538]

Your thermostat could be seized open.

 

[fitzy2005]

is it blowing black smoke out the exhuast at all?, and what oil u using? not to thick is it?

 

[COWSPUD]

Thanks for your responses.

I am driving for ten minutes going 60km/h, no idling within this time.

There's no black smoke from the exhaust - there is 136k on clock and car looks spotless throughout.

Not sure about oil, whatever the mechanics at Midas use.

The car does not over-heat, half way is the highest I've noticed the temperature gauge get.

Checked the computer for errors a couple weeks ago and got 12 (OK)?
Will check again tonight.

Thanks

 

[vt1538]

Your car will not overheat with the thermostat stuck open. It will only take longer to warm up.

 

[COWSPUD]

Your car will not overheat with the thermostat stuck open. It will only take longer to warm up.

vt1538,

How do I check if this is my problem?

cheers

 

[vt1538]

The easiest way is to remove the thermostat. This is under the housing that your top radiator hose goes to. When you remove it you will see straight away if it is stuck open. Should only take you about 10 min to remove, inspect & replace if necessary.

 

[Fekason]

Slow Warmup = thermostat.

As already advised, slow warmup is usually associated with a stuck/sticky thermostat. It can stick anywhere from fully open to somewhere between there and closed. Usually it sticks part open.

If stuck fully open, the car will run very cool on the open road, especially in cooler weather.

I would investigate the termostat first, before anything else.

The fact that weather is colling down could be ab issue, but could not explain taking ten minutes to warm up.