overheating problem...please help!!!

[utbird06]

I have a 2002 v6 firebird with only 16000 miles on it. Tonight my car would heat up to 250, then fluctuate in that temp for about 5 min then it would go back to normal. But then the whole cycle started over again. My heater also would stop working then start working again. Finally my engine actually reached 270 and it just stopped. I also heard an occasional popping noise from the engine. My gf put premium gas in my tank about a week earlier, but at the time i was running on regular. I also have the wings west front air dam. But i dont think those things could cause my problem. Please, please, please, any input would be greatly appreciated.

[02PewterBird]

You let the engine reach 270 degrees? That really screws things up.

Might have been a simple thermostat problem that was sticking. The thermostat in our 2002 Trailblazer had to be replaced a couple weeks ago because it was sticking, but it was just running at 235 degrees. I pulled over to make sure it wouldn't get any warmer before going straight home. That was a really bad idea to let it get that hot, and a warranty claim could be rejected because you were negligent.

[dcrow23]

I would replace the thermostat first

[Big Tymer]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by dcrow23:
I would replace the thermostat first<hr></blockquote>

ditto, while your at it get a 160º one from autozone... only cost 15 bux