2007-04-23 09:25:44 · 12 answers · asked by Melinda B 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First, check to make sure you have antifreeze / engine coolant in your radiator. If you see that you have pleanty of fluid, then Something is not working properly with your engine cooling system.
As the engine is running, outside air is supposed to be drawn in to the engine compartment through the radiator grill. when you first start up the engine, the fan doesn't move. But once the engine reaches a certain temperature, the fan clutch causes the fan to start spinning. This causes the outside air to be sucked through the radiator.
Then, once you start driving, air is pushed into the engine with more force helping to cool the engine.
Since your car is overheating when your not moving,
Your thermosat and radiator cap probably need to be replaced and maybe even your water pump fan clutch. Also, you might need to replace your fan belt. I would start by looking at the fan belt. If it is missing or is very damaged, replace it. The next thing to replace is the thermostat and the radiator cap.
Don't replace the water pump fan clutch unitl after you have replaced the radiator cap and the thermostat. If replacing those things doesn't help, then you will need to replace the water pump.
One other thing, if you have antifreeze and it looks very rusty in color, and not a "pretty" green, then you need to flush your antifreeze/coolant and replace it.
Just as FYI, it is good to replace the thermostate and the radiator cap on a periodic basis as a good routine maintenace pratice anyway.
2007-04-23 09:41:54 · answer #1 · answered by BIGDAWG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the engine relies on cold / cool air thru the radiator to reduce the heat in the engine.
When you are sitting still the only air thru that radiator is via the fan. IF the fan is broken or the drive for the fan is gone (broken belt, broken motor, etc..) then there is even less air thru the radiator.
When you start moving it is not only the air from the fan but also the ambient air that the car is driving 'through'. More air means better cooling. Better cooling means a colder engine.
ta da....!
2007-04-23 09:30:49 · answer #2 · answered by ca_surveyor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your thermostat may be sticking, I would have it checked. It allowes the water to flow through the radiator to cool down then back through the engine to cool it down. And if its getting hot while you sit that is a good sign its not working like it should.
2007-04-23 09:30:03 · answer #3 · answered by Missy 75 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air flows over the radiator and cools the fluid that keeps the engine cool. When you idle, i's just a fan that comes on to coll the radiator, so it's less efficient and not as much air flow as when you are driving.
2007-04-23 09:30:20 · answer #4 · answered by deepseaofblankets 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like one of two things either your thermostat is stuck or you fan is not cutting on you need to have someone look at it , if you continue to drive it you could overheat the engine a blow a gasket or worse crack a head which is very expensive...
2007-04-23 09:30:14 · answer #5 · answered by broken hearted 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your fan isn't working. It could be the fan belt has come loose or is broken. When you are driving around, the wind cools off your engine, but when you stop, all the heat builds up.
2007-04-23 09:30:04 · answer #6 · answered by livbennett 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your fan or fan belt. Your car uses the fan to cool your car at slower speeds...once your speed is up it depends on airflow from the speed of your car. Have the fan checked.
2007-04-23 09:29:29 · answer #7 · answered by Mike T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably because you've got a problem with the cooling system. Probably the water pump. I would get it checked fast. If you overheat the engine you can warp/crack the heads or block - then your all done.
2007-04-23 09:29:46 · answer #8 · answered by Fester Frump 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need a new thermostat or get you fan checked it may be off a little and need to be replaced cause sometimes you fan kicks in late
2007-04-23 09:29:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rad fan not turning on????? Water pump failing???? If it is, it isn't circulating cooler water from the radiator at idle (low rpms)....
2007-04-23 09:29:59 · answer #10 · answered by waynebudd 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋