What to Do When the Engine Temperature Rises While Running the AC in Parked Car?
2 Answers
When the engine temperature rises while running the AC in a parked car, you should let the engine idle for a few minutes, turn on the heater, and then open the hood to dissipate heat as quickly as possible. Below are the reasons for high engine temperature when running the AC in a parked car: 1. The exterior surface of the car's radiator is dirty or the interior is clogged, affecting heat dissipation: Solution: If the exterior surface of the radiator is dirty, you can clean it to resolve the issue. If the interior is clogged, it is recommended to replace the radiator promptly to fix the overheating problem. 2. Radiator blockage: (1) For external blockages, use water or air to remove the debris. (2) Internal blockages can affect coolant circulation and create pressure, leading to two possible outcomes: one is radiator leakage, and the other is particularly high engine temperature during high-speed driving.
I've been in auto repair for many years and often encounter car owners complaining about the engine temperature skyrocketing when idling with the AC on. The main reason is that when you park and run the AC, the engine is under heavy load but with little airflow, resulting in poor cooling efficiency; it's more likely that the fan isn't activating or there's insufficient coolant. If the fan control module is faulty or the fuse is blown, the fan won't spin to cool things down. The solution is to immediately turn off the AC and let the engine idle to cool down, while checking if the fan is running. If it's not spinning, inspect the fuse box; if the coolant is low, add some distilled water as a temporary fix. Continuing to drive with an overheated engine can damage components, leading to more expensive repairs. Preventive measures include regular maintenance of the cooling system and upgrading to a reliable fan to ensure it kicks in automatically during high temperatures. Remember, in summer, avoid running the AC for too long while parked—it's better to find a shaded spot to help with heat dissipation.
