I was in the drive-thru for about ten minutes when I noticed my temperature gauge was HOT. I got out of line and let it sit for a few minutes and started it back up again. It was about halfway this time, and it only would start rising when I was sitting still. I'm thinking the radiator fan isn't kicking on, but could there be anything else to look for?

 

fan switch. at this point pop the hood when its cold. start the car and let it warm up. listen for the fans to come on and watch the temp. check the thermostat too. the fan switch does go out from time to time

 

Fan doesn't turn on, temperature gauge keeps rising though.

 

Exactly my problem and found out it was the coolant temp switch. I would first jump the fan to see if it even works. Next warm up your car and wait for the thermostat to open(you know it has opened when the lower hose is as hot as the top hose) If it opens and your fan doesn't come on within 5-10 sec, it's your coolant temp fan switch.

 

yup. good advice.

 

i have the same problem but my gauge doesn't shoot to the top. it just rises as the engine warms up.(which takes about 10-20mins idling) however my radiator starts to smoke after like 5mins. my fan doesn't turn on but i tested it and it works fine. coolant temp fan switch or coolant temp sensor?

 

Me and my dad figured out the problem. We had a test light and found out that the switch wasn't putting out the signal to turn the fan on. Luckily I have my old d-series laying around so I used the plug off of it. Works perfect now. Thanks guys I wouldn't of figured it out with out the advice!

 

which one did you switch out?

 

the fan switch on the thermostat housing.