The engine starts overheating after 25-minute A/C on during hot and humid day?

Tiny
HUSA786
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FREESTAR
  • 3.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,237 MILES
When the temperature is above 85 f. This often takes place during the afternoon. As soon as I turned the A/C off the van's engine stopped overheating. The A/C works cold in the mornings and there is no issue with engine overheating. I went to Midas and had been told one of the cooling fans was broken. Allowed them to replaced entire cooling fan assembly. This did not solve the problem. Been told to go to dealer. They replaced the slow opening thermostat and drain and recharged A/C. This did not solve the problem. Also, at Midas they did cooling system flush. Hope your professional service will help to solve this issue. Recently blend door actuator was also replaced because no air from front vent driver and passenger side.
Friday, August 16th, 2024 AT 7:34 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,598 POSTS
When the engine is overheating or running hot can you hear the radiator cooling fan come on? There are two cooling fans which both should be on. Also, I have seen the radiator cooling fins become clogged with dirt and debris so I would use a garden hose on high pressure to blow out the cooling fins and I would do the condenser as well. Can I ask if the coolant level has ever been low? If the cooling fans are running, you may have a radiator that is clogged internally.

Please go over this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Saturday, August 17th, 2024 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
HUSA786
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I Think engine has to work harder for A/C compressor. Top of it A/C start not blowing cold Air it should be when outside temperature above 85F hot and humid but below 85F not hot and humid usually till 11 am A/C blowing cold air.
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Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 AT 4:50 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,598 POSTS
Yes, the engine does need to work a little harder when the AC is on but it should be able to handle it. I would go over the guide in the above post. Also, does the cooling fans come on when the AC is on?
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Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 AT 9:27 AM

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