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#1209 of 3453 Glad to see we're back on track.... by PAman Jul 13, 2001 (10:09 am)
Sloughrey,   Your overheating IS likely caused by one of the cooling fans on the radiator not coming on at all, or not coming on soon enough. If the Regal's ECM is programmed like most other GM FWD cars, one or both of the cooling fans should come on at low speed ANYTIME the A/C compressor is running. This is to protect the compressor as well as to keep the car from overheating. When the coolant's temperature reaches a predetermined point (usually around 210-220 degrees) one or both of the fans should go to high speed.   If your fans are not running, here's a simple checklist:   1. Check all connections at the fan to make sure they didn't vibrate loose or have a bad connector. Be careful while doing this on a hot engine--those fans are close to the exhaust manifold. If loose, take them completely apart and look for dirt and/or moisture. If they are present, spray both sides of the connector with WD-40 or similar product and reassemble WITH THE ENGINE OFF.   2. Good connections? Then check the fan fuse on the fuse block. Don't remember where it is on the Regal and I don't have the service manual here with me. It is likely on the fuse block inside the car, but could be located in the engine compartment. If bad, replace it.   3. Good fuses? Then try tapping one or both fan motors with a steel tool like a ratchet. If the fan suddenly comes on, you have a "dead spot" in that fan's motor. Replace the motor.   If all of these steps still do not get the fan motors working, you either have a bad sensor or a problem with the ECM. Unless you are mechanically inclined and can follow a wiring diagram, I'd recommend having it diagnosed by a shop that does A/C work.   If your car is overheating, I'd recommend getting this fixed soon. Hot engines on 100 degree summer days tend to blow their head gaskets, warp their heads or worse. An A/C system running without the fans can build pressure inside the compressor approaching 500 PSI, which can blow your compressor internally, a hose, the condensor or the evaporator.   Good luck!   Joe
#1210 of 3453 one2one by rcarboni Jul 13, 2001 (11:04 am)
Good info from an owner of both. Maybe the 3.5 grows on you. However, looking at 0-60 times of the Intrigue, they are in the mid-to-high 7 second range. My G-Tech reports just about 6 seconds for my GS, and I have broken into the 5's once or twice. 1/4 mile times are likewise a full second or more in favor of the GS stock, and with a couple inexpensive bolt-ons, the GS walks away, even while giving up over 100 lbs.   I do think the Intrigue as a total package has some advantages over the GS including handling. My test drives likened the handling of the Intrigue to the Maxima, while the GS felt like a bigger car with less response. I know there are suspension upgrades available, and I'd like to try these some day. Until then, I'll enjoy the straight-line raw power!
#1211 of 3453 rcarboni by one2one Jul 13, 2001 (12:05 pm)
Drive on, my friend! Drive on!   No way an Intrigue will beat a Regal GS in a flat out drag to 60.   Are you going to check out the new Max when it comes out? I've been wondering about how it will perform now that they've upped the power. Output looks close to the Regal. Would be nice to know how it compares. Maybe you'll let us know.   I'd do it myself. But at 6'8" Maximas are the equivalent of sardine cans.
#1212 of 3453 Rcarboni by teo Jul 13, 2001 (12:23 pm)
Didn't you use to own an Oldsmobile Intrigue before? I recall your story of the car being a lemon and finally bought back by GM.   Your Regal replaces it.
#1213 of 3453 by rcarboni Jul 13, 2001 (12:41 pm)
one2one: The styling of the Maxima has always disgusted me. For as much as the performance is there, they really need to work on the design. I'd also rather see them bring back the Z, and stop trying to pretend that the Max is some contender in the sports car arena. However, I do appreciate that they keep other makers questing for more power in the sedan lines.   teo, Sorry, that wasn't me with the lemon Intrigue. I had considered the Olds, but at the time the Regal incentives were too good to pass up, and that was what eventually made the decision easy.   I just hope GM doesn't bow out of the sedan power struggle. With so many new, powerful models coming from the import crowd (Lexus, Acura, etc.), it would be nice to know that you could still get the power and reliability for up to $20K less for a simple sacrifice of trendiness and gadgetry.
#1214 of 3453 No Teo.... by peufan Jul 13, 2001 (1:58 pm)
The Lemon Intrigue was me.   Nice to see you're still lurking.
#1215 of 3453 Peufan by teo Jul 13, 2001 (2:00 pm)
Sorry got confused !   Just so you know. GM bought back my 2000 Impala LS back in April and gave me a brand new 2001 Impala LS with 4 miles on the odo.   The difference between both cars is like night and day.
#1216 of 3453 Teo... by peufan Jul 13, 2001 (2:13 pm)
Glad to hear it on the Impala.   The difference between the Regal and the Intrigue has also been like night and day.   No problems with the Regal (well except the dash rattle in the winter).   Huge quality contrast. Amazing "the General" could have two cars so much the same, yet so different.
#1217 of 3453 Peufan by teo Jul 13, 2001 (2:55 pm)
When it comes to GM cars there are five rules of thumb:   * Never buy anything below the midsize range   * Stick to W and H body cars   * Never buy a first year GM model car or truck   * If buying W bodies, stick to ones made in Canada such as the Regal/Impala/Montecarlo (Intrigue/Grand Prix are made in Fairfax, KS a UAW plant)   * The H bodies are made in the Orion plant but they are good cars.   Is it me or is it that the Canadian GM products are better bolted than the ones made in the U.S.?
#1218 of 3453 sloughrey & teo by fastdriver Jul 13, 2001 (7:19 pm)
sloughrey-   You could also have a defective radiator thermostat that's causing the overheating.   teo-   "Is it me or is it that the Canadian GM products are better bolted than the ones made in the U.S.?"   Could have something to do with the unions or pride of workmanship?   fastdriver

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