Overheats when AC on

Tiny
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  • 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 102,000 MILES
The temperature gauge rises when I turn the AC on, otherwise it is normal. When I turn the AC on the radiator fan turns on. The car has only one fan for both AC and engine with two speeds.
Friday, July 14th, 2017 AT 7:04 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
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How high the temperature get? During the summer, with the A/C running, it is pretty normal for the temperature gauge to rise a little bit.

If it is going up more than just a shade or two, then start with checking the coolant level when the engine is cold enough. If it is low on coolant, then you have a leak that needs to be addressed. Let us know and we will go from there.
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Friday, July 14th, 2017 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
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The coolant level and oil level are normal
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Sunday, July 16th, 2017 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Ok. Again, how high is the temperature going? Going up just a shade or two is normal. If it's going much higher than that, or overheating, then there is some sort of issue. Perhaps the system just needs to be flushed. Or maybe the thermostat isn't opening all the way. Maybe the radiator core is clogged up with gunk.

I would suggest taking a good look at the radiator core to see if it has a bunch of dirt on it. If it does, it's keeping the fan from being able to pull enough air through to cool the system. An easy way to fix this is to simply spray it with the water hose with a little bit of pressure.

If that's not the problem, then flush the cooling system. Here's a guide: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Let us know what you find.
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Monday, July 17th, 2017 AT 2:58 AM
Tiny
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It goes up to the 3 quarter mark. I took the radiator off it has a little dirt on the bottom of it
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Monday, July 17th, 2017 AT 7:54 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Ok. Go ahead and clean that off of the radiator if you didn't already. Also make sure there isn't any on the AC condenser (the thing in front of the radiator). Change the thermostat and be sure to bleed the cooling system really well. Let us know.
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Monday, July 17th, 2017 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
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When I was working on replacing timing belt I removed the thermostat I put it in boiling water it did not open I don't understand if does not open it should overheat even if the Ac is off
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Monday, July 17th, 2017 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Hmmm maybe the extra pressure of having the waterpump push coolant through the system is helping to open it some. Again, I suggest changing it. They sell them at AutoZone for less than $10.
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Tuesday, July 18th, 2017 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
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Thank you for your help I will get the one that fails open its safer and I will let you know if it will overheat again. I m replacing timing belt it was pain in the a
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Tuesday, July 18th, 2017 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Ok. Keep us posted
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Wednesday, July 19th, 2017 AT 5:23 AM

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