New to this forum. Just bought 1996 base Camaro 3.8 v6 auto. At normal driving speeds, engine temperature stays in the normal range. When at idle or hardly moving temperature goes up. Turn on AC...temp goes back down to normal range. I have done a coolant flush, changed thermostat. When you turn on AC both coolant fans come on. Radiator coolant sensor bad? Cooling relay(s) bad? Water pump? Radiator bad? Need some help thank you....

 

I don't know anything about these year cars. I would go to your generation car forum to get better input with people that have that year car. Check your radiator cooling fan. You did mention that the coolant fans come on when you turn on the AC, but are they running when idling without AC on? Might be some communication with the temp gage (if one) to turn on the cooling fans when at idle...?

 

sounds like the fans may not coming on, what's the temp going up to, they do run around 200 degrees.

 

A plugged radiator would do that. If you pull it out and its heavy it's plugged.

 

Check your engine codes. It sounds like a temp sensor is worn or shorted. Fans are working with AC on so the fan motors are good.

My 94 3.4l fan doesn't kick in until about 235F or about 3/4 of the gauge. Its nerve racking to say the least.