car probs

[headbuster1221]

got a weird prob....well a couple of them...lately my 99 se seems to be overheating to the point where the needle cannot go any further....but then it goes back down to normal temp...also when it is raining out my steering wheel locks up like the engine has been shut off...any help would be great...

[rixGAphx]

What engine and tranny???

Sounds like a *typical* sticking thermostat.

But it may be hiding deeper problems, such as a LIM gasket failure if you have the 3.4 V-6.

Do a 'search' on this forum for 'overheating'; there are many good threads.
Also check 'FAQ'.
* * *

I don't understand your second symptom:
* When you turn the ignition 'off', the ignition swich actuates a lock in the steering column that absolutely GRABS and holds the steering column, and prevents turning.

* Are you saying that as you drive down the road in the rain, this same GRAB and hold condition occurs for no reason???

If so, do NOT drive, rain or shine, until you fix this problem!!!
Your car is a rolling accident, just waiting to destroy and maim and kill.

If the condition is so, then it *might* be that the wires from the column-mounted wiper switch are somehow shorting and acutating the column lock.
That's where I'd look first, especially if some work has been done there or nearby recently.
Nonetheless, this is an extremely dangerous symptom, unless I completely misunderstand what you're saying.

There are also wires in the column for actuating the driver's airbag; if there's a wiring problem it could easily cause trouble there, too.

[ALMB~Nova]

agree on the first problem. as for the second problem, he may just be getting water on the belt and it's slipping in the pulley. check the belt tension and if its been a while change the belt

[headbuster1221]

ok i have a 3400 and am unaware of the tranny...i wouldnt have posted this if i knew the symptoms of the dreaded LIM gasket (which i still dont know)....i am unaware of a "sticking" thermostat, so if one could explain these both and work involved in fixing the prob...

when driving in the rain its not as bad as i made it out to be, i was just using and example, its more along the lines of loss of power steering....i checking the PS fluid and it was fine...

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by headbuster1221
ok i have a 3400 and am unaware of the tranny...
OK, your tranny is an auto (as are the trannies of all GA's with the 3.1 or 3.4/3400).
If you had a 4-cyl, the tranny could be auto or manual.
i wouldnt have posted this if i knew the symptoms of the dreaded LIM gasket (which i still dont know)... OK, do a 'search', the info is there.
i am unaware of a "sticking" thermostat, so if one could explain these both and work involved in fixing the prob...
There are also threads that explain both procedures.
The t-stat replacement is an OK project for a beginner mechanic, with some basic tools and a Haynes Manual.

Frankly, the LIM gasket replacement is so complex that it's beyond a beginner's ability.

when driving in the rain it's not as bad as i made it out to be, i was just using an example. It's more along the lines of loss of power steering....i checked the PS fluid and it was fine... Has this just started recently, or has it always felt like this?

I kinda agree with ALMB~ about a wet belt, except the belt-other driven things (alternator, WP, compressor) would also be slipping and making a HELLA noise.

At the very least, a 7-yr old car needs to have the belt examined for wear, cracking, glazing, and other defects.
And the tensioner should be checked, since even if the belt is soaking wet with water, the tension should be strong enough to provide friction and prevent slipping.

Hope this helps.
-Rick

[headbuster1221]

yea i was reading too deep into the tranny ques....i thot he meant like exactly which one i had...

[ENGGUY]

steering very loose belt, or just shot, and or the splash panel is gone and water gets on the pulleys etc.