Car is overheating while using A/C. We are roasting, help!!?

Question

I drive a 1997 Chrysler LHS, and we have been having a problem with the car getting really hot only when the A/C is running. There is not any coolant leaking out from the bottom of the car, but one time it did overheat enough to spill coolant on the engine and cause it to smoke a little. Someone recommended using a product called Water Wetter. Can anyone tell me if this will really help? Thanks!

It does seem to run fine on the hwy even with the A/C on. All overheats seem to be during in-town traffic. Also, I just checked the electric fands, and they definetely do come on when A/C is on.

Answer 1

Dear Boiling Over-

I would recommend checking a couple of things here, so lets go down the list and see if we can't get this figured out.

First you need to check all of your fuses and relays. Make sure that none of them have burned out. With this hot weather, this put extra stress on the Cars Cooling System in order to keep you cool inside the cab.

If the fuses are all good, then you need to turn your attention to a thermal switch that may have failed to switch on the Cooling Fans for the Radiator.

I would wager a guess that the system operates fine a Highway speeds right??

To test the switch, you will need to unplug the electrical connector. LEAVE THE SWITCH IN THE HOLE. DO NOT TAKE IT OUT.

Next find a paperclip and with the engine running short the connection in the connector. If the fans turn on, then its the switch and it will need to be replaced.

If the fans do not turn on, then it could be the fan motor(s). On some vehicles there may be more than one fan. Since your van is equipped with A/C, my guess is that this switch will operate one fan or the other, sometimes the switch has an over-ride circuit and both fans may cut on.

Be careful when you do this. Thise fans may be plastic, but those blades will inflict a really nasty cut, so be sure your hands and objects are clear of the fans.

If its the fan motors you will need to replace BOTH of them. Do not replace just the one that is burned out. This will cause the weaker motor to burn out shortly after, resulting in you doing the repair work twice.

If you feel this job is beyond your skills, then I recommend that you have a qualified shop, diagnose and make the necessary repairs. I would also reccommend that you have the cooling system serviced, and any belts or hoses replaced at this time. Remember to have the radiator cap replaced too. This can be another reason for overheating. If the cooling system cannot build the proper pressure, then it will over heat.

Remember to check the coolant level at least once per month, and add coolant as necessary to maintian the proper level.

I hope that helped you out. Good Luck!

Answer 2

It sounds to me which you're the two low on coolant, there is an air pocket interior the cooling device, your water pump is the two leaking or the impeller is inoperative, the thermostat is caught closed or you have an incorrect water-to-antifreeze combination interior the radiator. The water would routinely get warmer with the a/c on via fact the condenser of the a/c is in front of the radiator. It gets warm and then radiates that warmth on your radiator. The radiator became designed to have adequate ability to handle the extra beneficial warmth till a variety of issues i've got suggested is modern. So: a million) With a chilly engine, fill the reservoir with a 50/50 combination of anti-freeze and water. Open the bleed screw placed the place the stunning radiator hose meets the engine. enable the engine run. enable the aggregate interior the reservoir deplete and top off collectively as engine is working. Repeat till coolant combination starts to trickle out of the bleed setting up. Tighten the bleed setting up and close the reservoir. you presently have ensured an entire filling of the radiator devoid of air wallet. 2) If #a million is okay have the coolant combination checked with a hydrometer to make certain a minimum of a 50/50 combination of anti-freeze and water. Rectify the priority. 3) whilst engine is chilly, open the radiator cap. look down on the water point. initiate engine and enable it heat up. Does the water interior the radiator tank circulate out? If no longer your pump is broken or your thermostat is caught closed. element a non-touch thermostat on the top radiator hose. Does the temperature cycle with the help of turning out to be and then settling, reducing slightly, then turning out to be returned? Or does it proceed to get warmer and warmer? If the former, then your thermostat is working wisely. If the latter, the thermostat is kaput. 4) for sure, (I may be able to have indexed this huge-unfold) yet have the device stress examined to discover any leaks. and have the radiator cap stress-examined too. It desires a definite stress (sixteen-24 lbs.) to make certain that the coolant does not boil.

Answer 3

couple things to ck. your a/c system may be low on refigerant, that will cause a high head pressure and more heat. also ck. to see if the electric fan comes on when the a/c is on and be sure you have good air flow through the condenser/radiator.
regular coolant system maintence wont hurt, it has been my experiance that a "fix in a can" type products dont help in some cases they do more harm than good

Answer 4

Cooling fans use several relays for different cooling fan speeds. Sounds like a trip to Dodge or Chrysler before you over heat the engine and start walking...You might wash out the radatior from back to front first with a garden hose nozzel to clean the radatior out first. Good Luck

Answer 5

Chances are that one of the cooling fans is not operating. When you turn on the A/C the cooling fans should start automatically and stay on. If one of them is not, then perhaps a relay is gone or the fan itself is faulty. If it was a thermostat issue it would overheat all the time.

Answer 6

It could help a little but the air conditioner isn't your problem. It's just exposing another underlying problem with your cooling system.If your not experienced with working on them the best thing to do is to go to a radiator shop and have it checked out. They can flush the entire system and pressure test it. You could have a weak thermostat that isn't opening all the way.The radiator may need flushed out.You could even have a problem in the engine itself causing the oil to not circulate properly.Like sludge or a weak oil pump.You may even have a leaking head gasket that is leaking internally which you would be able to see.

Answer 7

Its the cooling fans, they are not turning on when you have the A/C on. Need to replace one or both of them. Are apparently pretty common a problem for this vehicle. Good luck.

Answer 8

somethings gotta be up with the compressor.

does the compressor get hot when you run it?

maybe its slowing down the water pump and everything else thats running off the engine.

idkk. i'd take it somewhere to get it looked at professionally.

good luck

--VIncee

Answer 9

Get the thermostat replaced.