Is my fan clutch going bad

It is possible, but it is certainly not the thing I would chase first. I would start at looking at the front of the radiator and see if there is anything blocking the airflow through the fins. Grass, and other stuff can collect up there and block off the airflow and the makes the radiator less and less able to shed the heat from the coolant. I once had a neighbor with the same complaint and it turned out that a plastic bag has got up under there and blocked off the front of the radiator.

If that check's out okay, then the next place I would look is to see if there is a blockage in the coolant flow. Radiator passages are very thin and can easily become blocked if the coolant is not maintained. It could be time for a coolant system flush.

With regard to the fan, you should be able to feel it (with the engine off please) try to turn it with your hand. It should allow you to turn it but it should offer some resistance. If it just freewheels like a roller skate wheel, then I would replace it.

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Overheating can be caused by several things. Does the car overheat when it is at highway speed or is it more likely to happen in stop and go traffic?

As far as the power loss with the AC/heat. The compressor places a load on the engine, but you should hardly notice a power loss. Also, the heater does not put a load on the engine unless you are using the defroster.

Take a look through this link and see if it mirrors what you are experiencing. The link discusses symptoms of a failing fan clutch.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fan-clutch-symptoms

Read through this and let me know your thoughts.

Take care,
Joe

Hi Benita, and welcome back. I am glad it helped. Let me know if the fan clutch is the issue or if you need directions on replacing it.

Hope you have a good weekend.

Take care,
Joe