My 2001 sunfire has been recently overheating. My coolant level is OK. I have been running my a/c, but when I am stopped with it running, I am having problems. It will make a hissing sound -the cool air starts to go warm & the car starts to overheat. I was stopped in traffic yesterday without my air on and the car really was about to overheat. I was able to pull off before it overheated & when I was able to start driving everything was fine. Does anyone know what this could be? Thanks for your help.
2006-08-03 06:25:43 · 4 answers · asked by kristy 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The most COMMON failure here is the cooling fan(s). They are electric, and if they fail, or if the circuit to them fails, overheating is the result.
This is exacerbated by the A/C system.
If the car runs OK when NOT in traffic, this could easily be the problem, because while driving at higher speeds (>45MPH), there is a RAM-AIR effect and the car gets the air needed to sufficiently cool the engine and run the A/C, while if driving in stop & go conditions there is very little air movement over the radiator and the condensor.
Does the car really OVERHEAT, or is it just running warmer than normal.
While standing in front of the car, with it idling, have a friend turn the on A/C and listen to the front of the car when it comes on. Do you hear the fan(s) come on?
If not, then possibly the cause is either the relay(s) or the fan motor(s).
2006-08-03 06:40:42 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It seems like the electric cooling fan (on the radiator) is not working. When you are driving, the air flow from the movement of the vehicle is enough to cool the radiator and the A/C. When stopped, the fan is supposed to provide that air flow. It could be a bad fan motor, or a bad temperature sending unit. seeing as it happens when the A/C is on, it is most likely the fan motor that is bad. Have it checked and repaired ASAP, to prevent serious damage to the vehicle from overheating!!
2006-08-03 13:36:56 · answer #2 · answered by fire4511 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be your A/C motor. Your A/C motor runs as coolant is being distributed throughout the engine. When your stopped with the a/c running, it works harder to take coolant in and keep it running. In turn, it takes more coolant out of the engine, causing it to get hot and overheat. Take it to the shop and see if they can do something about it.
2006-08-03 13:38:54 · answer #3 · answered by Zack M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing you could do for that car is push it over a very big cliff!
2006-08-03 13:31:24 · answer #4 · answered by num1accent01 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋