23rd Sep 2011, 21:46

I purchased a 1996 SB Barina Swing with 69000 Kms on it. Same problem almost exactly. IT'S NOT NORMAL to have the engine running at those temperatures. I had the auto electrician check the fans and relays, no problems there. My mechanic replaced the radiator temperature switches and flushed the radiator. All fine for a couple of weeks, then did the same thing, overheated.

I took matters into my own hands and replaced the thermostat; not that easy to do on a Barina with power steering, but found I could get it in without ripping the power steering motor, timing belt and water pump off. It now runs at 92 degrees and never goes above 96 degrees. All up I spent 850 dollars at the mechanics, and ended fixing myself for 14 dollars, plus a 10 dollar bottle of coolant concentrate. Turns out the old thermostat would open sometimes then lock shut, so the overheated water didn't reach the radiator temperature switches (located at the BOTTOM of the radiator) thus the fans didn't turn on. I know this reply is probably too late to help you, but it may help somebody else with this problem. P.S. IT'S NOT NORMAL.

9th Feb 2012, 05:00

Hi. I have recently bought a 98 Barina Swing, and for the first time today, I noticed the temp gauge hit nearly 100 when I am stopped at lights or pulled over. This concerned me too. The fans would kick in at this point, and the temperature would drop quickly, so this is normal??? Thanks.

9th Sep 2017, 22:47

This is normal for some strange reason... it's the only car I have owned with this temperature control. A lot of mechanics must have made some money from owners unnecessarily for new radiator flushes and thermostats. Always ask your auto club people if you are in one... before the mechanic... unless you have an above board guy.