Cooling SystemDiagnostic helpCommunity Starter

2021 Hyundai Palisade — temperature climbs in traffic but drops once moving

SunBeltDadCommunity StarterJun 30, 20262021 Hyundai Palisade LimitedLos Angeles
2021 Hyundai Palisade Limited, about 82,000 miles. Coolant temperature rises while sitting with the A/C on, then drops once the car is moving. Coolant level looks correct. Fans run, but I do not know whether they are reaching full commanded speed. If I figure it out I will update the thread. What would you check next?
permalink

9 replies

GarageGeekCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 1, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is losing coolant with no puddle. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “temperature climbs in traffic but drops once,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Any freeze-frame data saved? If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
RotorWrench276Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 1, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Capture voltage while the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
DealTraveler677Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 1, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: Move a coil or plug on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
GarageGeekCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 1, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. This is from a 2021 Hyundai Palisade in Los Angeles with 82,000 miles. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Not driving it hard until I know more.
SunBeltDaily76Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 1, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “temperature climbs in traffic but drops once,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
CommuterFan808Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 1, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. No need to make it theatrical. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. I'll update if anything new shows up.
RotorWrench276Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 1, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
HighwayDetailer589Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 2, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, loaded-suspension checks on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Any freeze-frame data saved? Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
SunBeltDaily76Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 2, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Two 2021 Hyundai Palisades can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. No need to make it theatrical. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
Sign in to reply

Similar discussions