When you sit in your car with the air conditioning on, you suddenly notice that the interior of the car is hot. You ignore this at first thinking that things will start to cool down, but the problem persists and you eventually notice that the car starts to overheat, but only when the air conditioning is on. Sounds familiar?
Cars can overheat when the air conditioning is on because the serpentine belt that turns the AC compressor is also connected to many other parts of the engine, including the power steering pump, water pump, crankshaft, radiator fan. and the alternator.
When the AC compressor doesn't work well, the motor has to work harder, causing it to overheat. Another reason for overheating is when the AC condenser is not working properly or the water pump is generating excessive heat.
If you have this problem, you are not alone. This problem is faced by many others who have experienced the same problem with their cars. An overheated motor is a major problem that needs to be fixed the first time; Otherwise, you can cause expensive damage that takes time and patience to fix.
What are the reasons for overheating?
If the overheating only occurs with the A/C on, you will almost certainly need to check the A/C compressor, condenser, and water pump. A car engine can heat up quickly because heat is generated in different ways when the air conditioning is on.
Othe engine haswork harder to produce higher temperatures (when the AC compressor is damaged) and the AC system generates heat that the condenser or water pump can't cool, which also creates higher temperatures.
Be sure to turn off the air conditioner if you suspect a problem and try to fix it as soon as possible. Simply carrying extra water to fill the radiator when the engine is warming up can lead to engine failure.
1. Big charging problem
The main reason is probably the air conditioning compressor. When the air conditioning is on, the compressor has to work like an engine, moving its cylinders to compress the refrigerant. This created a load (transmitted pressure) on the engine.
If the air conditioning compressor does not work as usual, the motor is put under too much stress and overheating occurs. The AC compressor may have added an additional rotational load to the motor. So first check if your engine is overheating.
2. Inefficient operation of the refrigeration system
As the air conditioning system moves refrigerant to the condenser, the motor fan blows on the condenser fins to regulate the temperature. If the fins are clogged, the condenser temperature will rise. If the condenser gets too hot it can cause the motor to overheat.
Another reason the engine can overheat is when the radiator andcondenserSugar caneobstructover time. Liquid flows through the tubes and corrosion or particles can cause blockages.
This blockage can prevent coolant and coolant from flowing properly, causing parts to heat up and eventually the engine to overheat. Looking at the radiator and condenser can help you figure out why things aren't the way they are.functionincorrect.
3. Defective fan
If the car overheats at low speeds or when stopped, the likely culprit is the engine cooling fan. This problem occurs when there is a lack of airflow through the radiator and condenser. The fan could be broken or there could be a blockage in the fins, radiator and condenser. Also look for a faulty fan switch.
Consider buying a new fan or inspect the fan assembly or fan clutch.
4. Temperature sensor error
This possibility is unlikely, but it does occur in some cases. The coolant temperature can be measured and compared to the temperature gauge on the dash. Sometimes this reading is incorrect due to a temperature sensor failure, resulting in inaccurate gauge readings on the dash.
If the reading is normal and the engine temperature rises, your engine may be overheating. You should check the operation of the thermostat if you suspect that this could be the cause of your car's temperature measurement problems.
What is the solution for car overheating when air conditioning is on?
- Sometimes the air conditioning refrigerant is not compatible with that particular vehicle. then checkcompatibilityif it was recently changed and change it again if necessary. You can do it with the help of a mechanic or do it yourself.proper equipment and knowledge.
- You can check thoseradiator capwhen the engine is cold and check that it works correctly. Canclean up the debristhe cooler and you can check the cooler pressure with arefrigerator test kit. This will help you see if there is a refrigerant leak. Replace hoses or clamps as necessary.
- To avoid the problem of overheating,antifreeze tankevery two years. This has proven to be a great way to prevent corrosion and extend the life of your car.
- Sometimes the air gets trappedthe sodaSystem that increases the temperature of the car. Canpurge the systemto release trapped air to restore normal car temperature.
- Make sure the fridge is fullKühlmittel. Do not mix normal water; only in emergency. Do not touch the radiator when the engine is hot or steam is coming out. Wait for it to cool down.
- If your engine overheats, wait for it to cool down.Check radiator fluid levels. If it is low, add water as needed. Later, fix any leaks and replace the radiator fluid with approximately 50% coolant and 50% distilled water, not tap water.
- Check your AC compressor by listening for noises, checking wires, using a multimeter to make sure the correct voltage is coming in, looking for damage, and checkingcompressor clutch.
- Forcheck your capacitorClean the clogged fins and check that they are not clogged with atemperature readerin different areas. The following videos can help with this and other AC problems. MoneyIt's videomiIt's video.
- Forcheck your water pumplook for water pump damage, loose pulley, or unusual noises; Check the belt for wear and for leaks inside the pump or on the floor below the pump.
What to do if you get stuck in traffic and your car overheats?
Being stuck in traffic can make the problem much more stressful. So, if you find yourself in such a situation, you can follow these tips:
- Stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
- If you can't stop, turn off the air conditioning and decide if it's safe to put your car in neutral or park when you come to a traffic light. This can help cool down the engine a bit.
- Set your car's air conditioning temperature to hot or in the red zone and increase the fan speed to maximum. This can be uncomfortable, but it can help dissipate heat.
- Once you can safely stop, park the car and turn off the engine, leave the key in the On mode, as this will activate the fan on some car models. If the fan won't turn on, it may need to be replaced or it could be one of the issues listed above.
- Open the hood if it is safe to do so. If steam comes out of your car, wait a bit. If the hood is hot, wait until it is safe to open it. This allows excess heat from the engine to dissipate.
- After the engine cools down (may take 30 minutes), seek help or check for leaks. If possible, you can try to plug any leaks with duct tape on the radiator hose or tighten a hose clamp and fill the radiator with water or coolant. This is a temporary solution; A complete engine overhaul should be done to find any problems.
Overheating of the car with the air conditioning on is a very common problem and you can find solutions yourself with a little time and effort. The above resources can help you if you are willing to do the research and work.
If your car still overheats with the air conditioning after trying your solution, ask an accredited service center for help. Do not ignore this problem. Overheating can cause extensive damage to your car. Finding the solution should be a priority to save you time and money.
For more information on AC issues, see the following articles:
What should I do if the AC compressor clutch won't engage?
How much oil should you add to the AC compressor?
Why is the AC pressure too high? causes and solution