Cadillac XLR - Cooling Fans run Constantly, Even when Cold - P0128, P0115

This 2006 XLR is mint, but the check engine light sometimes comes on, the temperature gauge reads zero, and the cooling fans run all the time. Can we solve the mystery?

[@WatchWesWork]

I guess I wasn't clear about the A/C. I'm using my recovery machine to add dye to the system and recharge it. The dye will show the leak, which is in the seals between the sections of the compressor. The compressor is very expensive and hard to change, so it is not going to be fixed at this time.

[@caprice572009]

The compressors are easy to reseal once out of the car but if they are pitted at all, it will leak out again. If it comes back to you Wes inspect the mating surfaces carefully. Any pitting of the case, get a reman unit.

[@WatchWesWork]

@@DontCryAboutIt The EPA says you cannot intentionally vent an AC system, but they do not require you to fix leaks unless your system is really large (like large buildings). Some of the cans you buy in a store have wax in them to seal leaks. That can plug up the recovery machine, so shops are reluctant to fix DIY AC systems.

[@roadkill5333]

Yeah, the EPA takes all of the fun out of everything!! I mean, we even have to take used motor oil to a recycler, nowadays!! Back in the good old days, how do you think that the weed killer industry got started?? We didn’t need no stinking weed killer, TIL THE EPA!! Now, we have grass growing up in our gravel driveways, and every time a vehicle pulls up, it looks like a dust storm in the desert!!

[@rysacroft]

@@roadkill5333 If your water main comes from the road and follows your driveway to your house you really do no want to have any oil contamination. A elderly neighbour complained that her water tasted strange. The water company tested it and found it to be contaminated with Diesel oil. They had run the pipeline right through the spot where her late husband had parked his tractor for 40 years. Diesel oil especially will easily penetrate MDPE water pipe. YMMV :( To eliminate confusion here's a link to the sort of pipe that we use in the UK. www.bes.co.uk/mdpe-blue-mains-water-pipe-25mm-x-100m-23569/ Stay safe!

[@BlackCoinCrypto]

In New Zealand they will not recharge your leaky AC for any reason. You need to get it fixed first. Its fully regulated they get in alot of trouble if they do recharge a leaky system.

[@ddssdickday]

What I enjoy most about this channel is that Wes knows his stuff, but is not afraid to admit that he's not sure or doesn't know, and is quick to point out when he makes a mistake. Editing would make it soooo easy to edit out mistakes. I think seeing his wife, son and puppy mixed in with the techie stuff adds a lot to his channel.

[@WatchWesWork]

There's too many mistakes to edit them all out...

[@jinksonyou]

This video is EXACTLY why I watch you! There are alot of mechanic channels on here but in a nut shell, your basically the only 1 I watch pretty much as soon as I get the notification! It all boils down to your diagrams and how you show AND say exactly what you think or know what the problem(s) is! Keep'm coming bro and Cheers from Canada eh lol

[@WatchWesWork]

Wow, thanks! I try to get the point across. Sometimes it works, other times not so much.

[@mattybean7299]

Brilliant diagnosis and fix, I’ve learned something today...every day is a school day 🤙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SuperZylar]

hmm yeah, so x amount of fuel holds x amount of BTU, an engine dissipates X amount of BTU so after running it x to x minutes it with x (determined with air temp etc) BTU loss should be at 80 - 90 degrees c , if not we got cooling problems, is after X minutes of running and > 80 ~ 90 we got also cooling problems.. interesting ..

[@nv1493]

A thinking man's mechanic, avoids the parts cannon. Nicely done!

[@rgmoore]

Wes, loved the logic. That completely makes sense that the default strategy would be to turn all cooling fans on full if it thinks it has lost accurate measurement of temps.

[@mctobbsi]

Yeah, excellent explanation of how a modern cooling system can be controlled. :)

[@peterjohannsen8472]

Agreed, good sight to a cold engine code and resulting operating strategy.

[@sarge4000]

"It has the Cadillac Northsta...THERE'S YOUR PROBLEM LADY!"

[@nedasher116]

Too bad it's a Chevy LS

[@VikingDudee]

@@nedasher116No a Northstar is not an LS, not even close.... Sure same cubic inch, but not even close to the same, even the block is different. Its like comparing a hemi 5.7 to a chevy 5.7

[@RageHP-RageHorsePower]

The Northstar is a great engine I never had any problems

[@trizkial7592]

@@RageHP-RageHorsePower I second that

[@Larry-325]

Love it when you draw things out and explain👍 I have always been a picture guy. For myself and also explaining to others. 👍👍

[@WatchWesWork]

Yeah, me too. Definitely a visual learner. I think that's why I love KZbin.

[@jamesmoore3346]

You eould of loved it when I drew out a 'kegger' type intake on a 98 dodge ram 318 that had the faulty plenum gasket leak so my wife would understand, bad thing is I'm not an 'artist', lol. That's got to be the most restrictive air intake system I have ever seen.......

[@Very_Angry_Citizen]

That's an awful fancy looking plow you got there. You've got yourself a rare bird to work on.

[@WatchWesWork]

The thing sits so low it could be a plow!

[@americanrepair]

I need you to stop showing your awesome specialty tools I didn't know I needed. You're killing my bank account.

[@WatchWesWork]

I like to have all the toys...

[@madscientist5969]

@@WatchWesWork Yep...we do love our 'toys'. The hose clamp tool...very cool.

[@ionracer24]

I second that motion....

[@bmacd2112]

I remember when $50 worth of tools in a box would fix most anything on a car.

[@domnuspin]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@Volcker1929]

Why yes siree Mr. Customer the tires was bald when you brought in here. I swears it.

[@erniejacob1131]

I really enjoy your explations of the problems you solve.I’m a retired tool maker so I understand some of your thinking.Your experience in working on machine tools I’m sure has been a help.Don’t stop recording your projects.

[@CrazyPetez]

Wes I am mightily impressed with your logical thought process in determining the cause of the (malfunction) problem. Your drawing certainly clarified it for me, as it did for you. It was pretty smart of GM engineers to include that little bit of “fail safe” in the design too.

[@garysgarage3669]

Nice explanation of how the system works.

[@WatchWesWork]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nvlvdave]

I love your approach to diagnostics and it's really cool how you explain things. You sort right thru what seems to be a bunch of unrelated mystery codes and gremlins and come up with a logical, accurate explanation. I'm also routinely impressed with some of the tools you break out - pretty fancy for a "farm" mechanic =) Nice job there man.

[@WatchWesWork]

LOL. I have all the toys!

[@manusamoaus]

Wes, it is refreshing to see you work on something normal. I will bet you had this for yourself. That would be nice but we can all dream.

[@MRrwmac]

Wes, “much to nice to stay around me” almost had me on the floor laughing because I said that once a long time ago to a guy with a Mercedes Sport version. Excellent diagnostic and confirmation when (that’s your problem lady) thermostat was removed and viewed!! I’m sure a few of those 11k will be glad you directed them to the fault and fix!

[@WatchWesWork]

Funny. We almost have more views than GM made XLRs!

[@ash7700]

"Fancy pants engine cover" LOL!

[@NoWr2Run]

YA TAKE THAT SHIT OFF, JUST KEEPS THE ENGINE HOTTER & COVERS UP POSSIBLE PROBLEMS YOU CAN'T SEE.

[@neilmurphy845]

I hate those stupid things

[@neilmurphy845]

@@NoWr2Run ya and changing plugs is a nightmare because you need special tools

[@FishFind3000]

nowr2run there used for noise dampening.

[@86FxBdyCpe]

I don't know which one was funnier: - 11 herbs and spices - well there's your problem lady (always a classic) or - fancy pants cover Wes is awesome! -

[@poolmotorrepairguyFL]

The Florida pool pump motor repair guy approved ! that was good info

[@kutamsterdam]

Gee Wes that was quick!! ... Your remark: "Unlike the junk i usually work on" had me chocking on my sandwich ... thanks🤣 but it was good to watch you work🛠.

[@WatchWesWork]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@altonbarbee8864]

With it being a northstar it may be more junk than he normally works on.

[@philbohrman3918]

I was impressed by how well you diagnosed and explained the problem. You did good work.

[@tectalabyss]

Oh and Wes. This was a treat seeing two videos this week. Thank you Sir.

[@pauldiesel4582]

Wes, your “chalk talks” are super helpful and always well illustrated. You’re teaching a lot of folks good information! Thanks!

[@ianzarczynski]

Appreciate you mentioning the (rough) Celsius value for the temp values.

[@WatchWesWork]

I try. We are slowly going metric here, but we don't like it!

[@tomjoad1363]

@@WatchWesWork Why that reluctancy? I've talked to many british carpenters and they all agreed about how easier it is in metric rather than imperial. I must admit that Celcius is way less precise than Farenheit though.

[@rverro8478]

@@WatchWesWork That's because you can't visualize it. After 44 years in metric, I still can't visualize what a person measuring 180 cms high looks like and the weight is also one of my problem.

[@stanpatterson5033]

@@WatchWesWork Having been born in the late 60's, in Canada, and gone through the Education system being taught pretty much only in Metric (but a touch of the Imperial system as well), and having grown up and lived through the 70's and 80's watching parents and Grandparents and relatives, neighbors, all manner of good people use both systems, I have concluded that both systems have advantages and disadvantages. Knowing them both is valuable, being able to understand them both is a definite asset, but trying to calculate from one value to another is a royal pain in the backside. I prefer my weather in Metric, but I prefer Imperial measure for other most of my other needs. Speaking in pounds for weight, miles for distance, mpg for fuel economy just makes more sense to me. By the way, I call it "Imperial" (as opposed to Metric), but an "Imperial" gallon is a larger gallon than a US gallon, whereas a mile is a mile is a mile wherever you are. What is the proper name of the measurement system that American people use?

[@rysacroft]

@@WatchWesWork I kid you not but here in the UK where "supposedly" we went Metric a long time ago. Go into shop and ask for a kilo of 6 inch nails. Go into shop and ask for 30 meters of 2x1 You will get the items that you requested, how amazing is that?

[@davewhittington1368]

Thought someone had illegally parked in your shop !! 🤣🤣 nice vid. Keep busy. Thanks for sharing

[@kenneychappuis1853]

OMG. I didn’t think I would understand what you were doing but once you got it explained WOW 😮. Thank you

[@terryrogers1025]

Holy bonkers man. $1000 diagnostic tool or $2000 hit and miss parts changing marathon. No brained there, nice work sir!

[@JustAnother_Irishman]

Sir thank you for taking the time to explain the PCM Strategy and for the upload.

[@nerd8192]

Thanks for a good video and entertainment... "Blend of 11 herbs and spices" was a good way of describing the mysteries of what happens in the ECU.

[@HanstheTraffer]

You have a good grasp on these control loop logic things...grasshopper.

[@theephemeralglade1935]

One of the most beautiful pieces of scrap metal ever to be mounted on wheels. More beautiful even than the equivalent Corvette - angular, mmmm, sleek. I'll just go down to Autozone and get the replacement radiator I nee- I can't get one, oh no! This fuel sender problem is no big deal I'll just- Oh shit!

[@WatchWesWork]

You can get them, they just cost more, like the rest of the car.

[@WCSPete1]

Brilliant diagnosis Wes, thanks again mate!

[@ericheberer3720]

Awesome diagnosis! The written and picture diagram really bring together what you found.

[@joellanderos6973]

I just discover your videos and I really like that you rake the time to explain how the system works and why it does that, and in my opinion that system to prevent overheating I think it’s a great idea 👌

[@tedtriche407]

Not only am I impressed with your knowledge from gasoline to diesel and the hardware attached, but I am also really impressed with the skill of knowing your subject and the way you present this information to us, your KZbin viewers. You make it fun and some of us put it into action solving problems we face with our vehicles. Thank you and my God bless you and your family.

[@WatchWesWork]

Thank you!

[@davidpontnak3819]

Another one of your gems, fun to watch

[@88GTi]

Saturday and Sunday videos...Wes you are spoiling us! Thank you! It's always a pleasure to watch you work...You are a top quality mechanic! I've never taken any of my vehicles to a shop, always done what ever is needed myself...If there was a guy like you where I am...I'd give all my tools away.

[@WatchWesWork]

Nah. You'd miss it!

[@Funkyjbell]

Nicely explained and well done. Love these videos.

[@WatchWesWork]

Glad you like them!

[@josh33025]

I enjoy your show and tell time with the class. Much easier to understand how it works.

[@ArnieTF]

love the logic and your sense of humor. look forward to your videos.

[@dwp1970]

I've never seen a tractor like that! Thanks for the fun video.

[@WatchWesWork]

Me neither!

[@hughmc5419]

The reference is an[ op amp ], so when that sensor checks temp which will be an RTD,to ECM internally this type is called a comparator. ECM's & PLC's -programmable logic controllers, which I had 16 weeks in college one of nine electronics coerces each 16 weeks,along with Ford factory training on Allen Bradley Logix 5000 plcs ver. 20 , 80 hours and 27 months on there factory floor,I was in body shop were they make the Transit van the big one. So with my little experience, I can tell you that's how that works,your diagram was accurate,but that device that op amp will give out a good signal when it polls,or does its IO scan. If it doesn't like what it sees in a time interval,its going to throw a code,or with Plcs a fault,if its a major fault,it will shut down a minor will keep running.They are known in plcs as a watch dog timer. Motor faults,shut line down,or if some genius pulls open a safety gate or breaks a beam ect. We don't want people getting whacked with a robot swing around a front fender ,or a floor pan. Or the bottom of a van frame,squashing them like a piss ant. Yes at break and end of shift,there running out like a bunch of ants breaking beams ect,headed for the door. I was at Ford May 2013 to August 2015 in KC,Mo. actually the plant sits on Liberty,Mo, Claycomo , Mo, & Kc,Mo land employs about 9 k people when going full tilt. Nice Cady, if your a GM guy.

[@colddiesel]

A classic, 'show' don't 'tell' episode. Excellent diagnostics (the human bit).

[@DangerousSportsForSeniors]

Nice clean job. Thanks as always for sharing your knowledge.

[@CrippledMerc]

Regardless of how the car performs or the quality of it's manufacturing, I've always loved the look and design of the XLR's. I really enjoy the sleek angular style of it.

[@grandaddywh0]

"we're gonna live our life a quarter mile at a time." reported for copyright infringement by Vin Diesel.

[@WatchWesWork]

A hilarious line from a hilarious movie. I think I was 16 when F&F came out.

[@tectalabyss]

@@WatchWesWork God I feel old now : )

[@JoeHynes284]

@@WatchWesWork we got it shipped to use when we were mid deployment (submarine) so the crew watched it about a thousand times. When we aren't being super duper sneaky, we can usually watch movies, otherwise card games only, or we are forced to bed...

[@bmacd2112]

@@JoeHynes284 - Ahoy there fellow Bubble-Head. Me too...'82-'91

[@graemediesel2936]

Thanks for taking the time to make a good explanation of the rational of the ecu making the fans run. 😀

[@rottdogg8926]

That Caddi's got a purdy mouth. The XLR is the most beautiful car Cadillac ever produced.

[@lrdisco2005]

Before anything had happens to it, love it.

[@JimNeville]

Great video especially the diagnosis portion, I am a mechanical engineer in the test and analysis area and would always analyze prior to tear down !!

[@londaryldodson2186]

I LOVE IT!! I had 2004 Impala (3.4) with a bad Coolant Temperature Sensor. The A/C flew south (disengaged itself), I could smell Fuel, and, acceleration was lackluster. I changed the Coolant Sensor, let it sit overnight (no codes erased) and it was fine the next morning!! The PCM shut down all unnecessary accessories WITH A FAIL SAFE MODE JUST IN CASE the Engine was overheating. I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL.

[@gregpallett1839]

That is outstanding handwriting.

[@dougdier3104]

You had me laughing so hard at 11 herbs and spices, nice diagnosis

[@davidcraddock9843]

Gidday Wes from South Australia. Love your vids..

[@CSkwirl]

Haha, in SA too

[@paulc.sachsejr.7209]

Good explanation of sequence of operation of the cooling system. Very cool...

[@eltonkingsley5617]

Well done Wes, another satisfied customer!

[@stevenpierno9793]

I like the idea of the temperature monitoring, more of a safety device then anything if you ask me, very audible and hard to ignore. unlike the dummy light on the dash, most people ignore that light. I scan it and make sure its not critical before continuing with my journey.

[@keeganwebber]

I thought i was hallucinating seeing you post one of THOSE things

[@WatchWesWork]

You never know what will come through the door!

[@gglovato]

@@WatchWesWork jut a few days ago i was seeing the car wizard video on this same model, but he had a split radiator, expensive AF repair it seems

[@toad3048]

Since I live in the land of ice and snow 🇨🇦, I diagnosed a couple things right away. 1: Coolant too strong causing the MAS to read sub below temps and causing a rich mixture and the vehicle mileage will drop off. 2: The AC is not charged or it is set to front defrost causing the compressor to cycle and the fans to run. In Canada compressors are tied into the front defrost to prevent seizing from lack of use for 9 months a year. 3: Thermostat is knackered

[@MrEddiekessler]

really enjoyed your show today. I'm off to watch Mustie now with a cuppa coffee.

[@thomasmiddlebrooke1012]

Wes: "for some reason it's in my shop" Also Wes: "It has the northstar V8 in it" me: prob why it's in your shop maybe?

[@WatchWesWork]

Could be onto something there!

[@45AMT]

Cadillac Deathstar.

[@ic1815]

Nope. Entirely different from its earlier FWD sibling.

[@rydingwithryan493]

I thought they worked out the problems from the earlier years?

[@mitchheine6878]

I bet the ac stays pretty cold with the fans blasting like that all the time!

[@cal6747]

A great way to enjoy a Monday, outstanding, thank you Wes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@douglasfogerty7153]

Excellent breakdown of the sensor issue.

[@grosseileracingteam]

"inside the PCM there's a couple things going on". That's a good one Wes. Glad you're getting some work in your shop, but I wouldn't wish a Cadillax on anyone. Do you think the rocket surgeons will ever come up with a P code that says R&R thermostat and coolant? Probably not.

[@WatchWesWork]

That would be way too easy!

[@wes11bravo]

Such a good point. For all the data a high end scan tool gives, they seem to do a crappy job of assembling that data into a solution for the problem. A bad ground on a ECM or low voltage from a dirty connection, etc. will have you trying to fix all kinds of irrelevant nonsense. It's still vital to have pre OBD2 troubleshooting skills.

[@gglovato]

@@wes11bravo the problem i think is that when OBD/2 was standardized, the error codes don't really leave room for verbosity and so you end up with a code that could be caused by a myriad of things. After all it was done in 1994, there should be a OBD3 with the storage and computing power we have nowadays where the car expands the data itselfs. Probably like an extension of the freeze frame functionality we already have in cars

[@niteninja0133]

I think it's smart that it protects the engine. Because they know the north stars are junk lol. But great video, keep them coming I look forward to them

[@YungEagle3k]

Noth stars are actually really good engines

[@craigsudman4556]

Well sir the good news is that the car is fixed...the bad new is that my pup wanted to go with me for a ride and scratched up the driver's side door, and by that time I thought, "Oh what the hell, come pup, let's go for a ride." -- And that's when the fight started. Great video Wes, thumbs up. 😉

[@WatchWesWork]

Heh. He did want a ride, but I managed to talk him out of it.

[@bryantblake1877]

60 year old Farmall’s and John Deere’s to 13 year old Cadillac sports car! What can’t you repair Wes? You are the go to mechanic in your neck of Illinois farm country! 👍

[@WatchWesWork]

Or I'm the sucker who can't say no.

[@danbartolini27]

Sorry lady but I'm gonna have to order parts and I can't get your car back to you for a few weeks..... ROAD TRIP!!

[@rysacroft]

I had the same problem with a 3.8 straight 6 cylinder E type Jaguar. LOL

[@davidhudson5452]

Cadi New Home

[@almclean4835]

I like the way you diagnose problems, you get results. Lovely looking car

[@ronlansdell3263]

Brilliant analysis

[@bleachinuri]

i actually have the exact same car on my lot, so we know where 2 of those 40 are

[@kiiiisu]

its a really nice car, i had to check their price here in Finland and cheapest was 40k € so close to $50k usd a bit too much for me :D

[@45AMT]

I love the way you explain things. You keep it simple and easy to understand. Why i enjoy this channel. Thank you. Good call on that thermostat.

[@WatchWesWork]

I appreciate that!

[@andrewvillanueva3722]

Awesome repair job thank you!!!!

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day Wes it amazes me just how technical cars are today and how you diagnose a problem on a small screen, I remember the big diagnostic machines with all the leads. This is a really nice car good fix Wes, that thermostat was something else……John

[@phooesnax]

Excellent work and explanation. Jim

[@WatchWesWork]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@garybrugone433]

Very informative video. I bet that was a joy working on something that wasn't consumed with rust.

[@gayle4804]

Beautiful vehicle and job well done

[@dennisward1361]

Impressed with your methodology , note taking and COMMON SENSE in your work . You don't see the use of common sense with the younger generations . Enjoyed brother , God bless .

[@greavous93]

I love it when money doesnt get wasted! Diagnosis skills are worth way more than SnapOn tools.

[@WatchWesWork]

Well it worked out this time.

[@assessor1276]

Nice work Wes - well done.

[@paul2466]

Owning a repair shop in a agricultural area is like being a veterinarian …you patient will probably be a dog or cat however it could be a snake or a hamster..you have to bring your best diagnostic game daily..great video Wes

[@Military-Museum-LP]

You continue to impress me.

[@WatchWesWork]

I'm glad!

[@LincolnMaxnCo]

great job man I like how you went about diagnosing the problem and took care of it. I also like the tool to remove the clamps, that was pretty cool, I had not seen it .

[@rolandknoll4464]

i goto say this channel is awsome i came over and subscribed after watching one of abom79 episodes and love the kfc annalises on this so great job all the best from down under here in Tasmania

[@pkzanc]

I am impressed with the array of tools you have, I am sure you have the same investment than a dentist. Your knowledge and insight is the reason you get Cadillacs and soon Rolls Royces and other luxury autos.

[@milantoombs6696]

Nice catch! Very nice car! 👍🏻

[@weshawkins7165]

Very good video. I think you nailed the diagnosis of the engine computer having parameters programmed to save the engine from over heating given the head gasket problems those engines use to have.

[@TreyCook21]

I had to pause on your description of the vehicle's cooling awareness just to say... that's friggin genius!

[@TheDaf95xf]

Cool video Wes 👍🏻🤩🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@goatlady7761]

Awesome looking car!!!

[@jc-botaman1077]

Awesome diagnosis and repair. I'd be afraid to get near something that nice, be afraid of buggering something up. Definitely not your usual cliental. Nice job!

[@danssmokintreasures]

That is a sweet ride Wes...

[@JimNichols]

If we route the upper radiator hose through the trunk ...... I think you are an exceptional technician, junk gets transformed to running stuff and nice stuff gets a very good and thorough repair where you knowledgeably and expertly diagnose and repair systems, bravo!!

[@WatchWesWork]

Thanks 👍

[@mikahakkinen5651]

great work wes

[@suzylarry1]

that was a nice looking tractor you fixed !

[@joesephburgio3438]

Very good job Wes, great job with diagnosis. You are for sure a pro!! Joe Burgio

[@thomasp.monroe4922]

Fantastic video . Fabulous information.

[@WatchWesWork]

Glad you liked it!

[@tompulkowski5204]

I have an 06 xlr v and the p0128 happened to me this morning. Like yours my Eng tmp gage at 9 oclock. I had coolant thru the heater core as evidenced by the amount of heat I was getting out of the vents. This was way helpful. thank you!