r/camaro • u/Proof_Restaurant_341 • 1d ago

🛠️ Problem 2016 2SS Problem, help??

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2016 Camaro 2SS owner here. Noticed the radiator fans were blasting one day & the coolant temp gauge was at zero. Went ahead and replaced the coolant temp sensor, which fixed the problem for 3 days, but alas while driving yesterday the same thing happened again.

Any ideas?

60 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

10

u/cman2270 1d ago

Thermostat I'm on #2 from same behavior

2

u/Proof_Restaurant_341 1d ago

Do you have a link to any guide on how to change the thermostat? I’m relatively new to working on cars :)

3

u/cman2270 1d ago

https://youtu.be/Yt0gfkT1_W4?si=KxKKyJ-LrlkXkuHJ&t=190
Start the video around 3:10, RockAuto has a plethora of replacement options available, but it's an entire assembly vs replacing just the thermostat in the housing like the video shows. Keep us posted on the results!

16

u/onesicktexan 1d ago

Thermostat. Im on #3. Cheap and easy to replace yourself.

5

u/genericUserLongNum 1d ago

The pins on the coolant temp sensor were not making a good connection to the harness. Followed a forum post to push them up with a pick and the issue has never returned.

3

u/Gerren7 1d ago

The temp gauge on the 6th gen does not reflect actual temp like it looks like it would. It's more of a low, correct, hot gauge. You need a thermostat.

3

u/SQUATCH36738 1d ago

Wish i had the resolution to your problem but i just wanted to complement your beautiful Camaro brotha 🔥

2

u/mrclark25 1d ago

A proper diagnosis prevents replacing many parts ;)

Check the engine coolant temp with a scan tool while driving down the highway. I bet it does not stay fully warmed up because the thermostat does not fully close.

2

u/YourGirlsEx 1d ago

Crazy this just began happening to me too, is it a problem with the Temp sensor or something else? It’s weird because some days it works fine and others I have this same issue.

2

u/zdcpre 14h ago

Thermostat. Super cheap and easy fix. Got an oem one from dealer for 90 bucks and just pop off the 3 screws and hose and slap it back on. Takes 5 minutes and a ratchet. Then just top of with coolant and your fine.

1

u/driverdan 1d ago

If the coolant temp doesn't get high enough the car will automatically go into limp mode. This can be from the sensor not working or the thermostat being stuck open.

If you don't already have one get a cheap BT OBD2 reader. It'll help you see what's going on and reset the codes.

1

u/LSswapbible 1d ago

Fans pinned on high plus a dead or wrong temp gauge usually points at the coolant temp sensor or its wiring, not the fans themselves. When the PCM loses a believable temp signal it defaults the fans to full blast to protect the engine. Check the sensor connector first — they get brittle and green with corrosion — then the sensor itself. If the gauge reads cold while the engine is clearly hot, that's the sensor circuit lying to the PCM. I work on LS stuff with the LSSwapBible guys.

1

u/Surveyor85 1d ago

I concur with thermostat. I went through the same process with temp sensor, just to have it happen again. Changed thermostat and never had another problem. I was just over 100k with the issue, and sold the car with 175k.

1

u/Unlucky-fan- 1d ago

Very common. Believe a set of twins would resolve this

1

u/Wide-Rice-8517 23h ago
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This post didn’t age well aye? Lol but yeah change the thermostat

1

u/Equivalent-Part1726 6h ago

Wing info please 🙏🏻

1

u/West_503 4h ago

Thermostat for sure. Almost every 6th gen owner knows about this issue. I'm on my 3rd one. Just remember after you replace it and refill the coolant, you're gonna need a vacuum bleeder to physically pull all the air pockets out. I didn't know that the first time around. It's overall an easy job to do yourself though.