Mits Lancer over heating when running,but parked with A/C on

Question

Mits Lancer '03 with 80K miles. When in traffic or sitting w/ the engine running and A/C on, it overheats. Shoots right up to H. If I turn off A/C and/or rev the engine, it comes back down. Should I just have the radiator flushed, or is it something more serious? Any thoughts? I live in Texas, so it is about 100 degrees out.

Answer 1

If the coolant is still green and looks clean it probably doesn't need to be flushed. I would make shure it is full and test it with a hydrometer. Antifreeze raises the bioling temp it is important in all weather. Another thing to check is if the radiator cooling fins are full of bugs or mud. I had one packed with mud once it took me a while to figure out.

Answer 2

Sounds like your fan isn't coming on. Check fuses first. If the fuses are good then see a local mechanic.

Answer 3

could be the fan. having the A/C on puts more hot air through the radiator, which doesn't cool the engine as effectively as a result. when you're moving, more air flows through the radiator, which cools the engine better. sitting or moving slowly doesn't force enough air in. as a result, the fan comes on to pull in air. revving the engine puts in more fuel, which also cools the engine

Answer 4

check fuses, fan relay or fan motor