My car has recently started overheating. When it does my A/C starts feeling warm. Also, my heat doesn't work.

Question

I work at Starbucks and go to school full time so I don't really have much money to fix it. I was hoping that maybe there's something cheap I can do before having to spend big bucks! I haven't checked my coolant level, but if it is the coolant why would it of leaked out, or does that just need to be filled every once in a while? I also know I need an oil change, but I'm not quite to 5000 miles (i know they recommend it every 3000 miles). Could that have anything to do with it? I know I probably sound like an idiot, I'm just trying to give as much info as possible. By the way, it's a 99 Ford Taurus. Any help would be great!

Answer 1

i would say it's a bad thermostat.

Answer 2

Your coolant could be the quickest answer, and if  its having to be filled alot you may have a hole in the hose or leak somewhere, however your car may need the Freon to be "recharged".  I worked at a dealership and saw this many times.  Those are two most likely answers.  

Answer 3

the first thing to do is check the coolant level if it is low add to the proper level  then warm the engine up to operating tempure look to see were if there are any visabel leaks ,there are many places this can happen External leak or internal . as for the heat this will happen when the coolant level gets low , as for the oil unless you run the Engine extremly low of oil I dont think this will have much bearing on over heating .

Answer 4

I would check the coolant first and then if that doesn't fix your problem it may be the thermostat! Thermostats are cheap, if you know someone to put it in!