Overheats when I turn on the defroster?

Tiny
BEYER
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 LEXUS SC 430
  • 140,000 MILES
Overheats when I turn on the defroster. Cools rapidly when I turn off defroster.
Friday, February 21st, 2025 AT 2:43 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 801 POSTS
Hello, I presume you are talking about the front windshield defrost/defog? Can you try to test if the car also overheats with the A/C on? Also, it would help to know if there are any codes stored in the vehicle's memory. Codes can be read for free at any parts store or a scanner can be purchased for around $20 at Amazon.

Here is a link to a scanner: https://a.co/d/5NBR126

Here is a link to our article on how to scan the system: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Please let us know what happens, and if possible, include a video.

Thanks
William
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Friday, February 21st, 2025 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,556 POSTS
How does it overheat? Dash gauge goes into the red or the light comes on? It does this only with defrost? And noises when you select defrost? Does the temperature go up with the heat on? As Williams asked, does it also overheat if you turn on the A/C? How long does it take to overheat when you select it?
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Friday, February 21st, 2025 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
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  • 2 POSTS
Dash board gauge goes up to hot. I ran it with A/C on today heats up also, takes less than 5 minutes to heat up. Don’t have a scanner no unusual noise.
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Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 801 POSTS
Let's first check the coolant level. With the car cold, open the cap on the radiator and see if there is any coolant present. If not, squeeze the upper radiator hose and see if any appears then. If nothing, we need to fill the radiator and check for leaks. Please let us know what you find.

William
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Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 AT 1:46 PM

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