Q: Car overheats when I turn air conditioner on

asked by on February 03, 2016

I can use the air conditioner when my car is idling, but the engine overheats if the air is on when driving. It is leaking fluid onto the road.

Car is overheating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The cooling system has two fans on most cars and one works to keep the engine cool with the A/C off and the other comes on when the A/C is on. The leaking fluid may be coolant from the radiator. The best thing to do is have the system checked to prevent the engine from overheating and causing additional engine damage. I recommend you have a certified mechanic inspect your overheating issue, so that you can have the correct repairs completed.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does the safety belt Warning Light mean?
The safety belt Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. This light illuminates when one of the front occupants does not have their seat belt securely fastened. The light is also accompanied by a chime. When the seat belt...
Oil in the water
If you open the oil cap and see a white moisture on the top of it, you may have a head gasket cracked. A block test should be performed to verify a head gasket crack. If you would like to...
Gas pedal sticks
Try and see if the throttle sticks when the engine is not running. If the throttle does not stick, check the throttle plates for carbon buildup. This can cause the plates to stick when it is running. Cleaning off the...
Car jerks at over 60 mph while shifting from third to fourth gear
Hello. Most of the time, when this vehicle starts doing this in higher gears it is because the transmission is failing internally. The clutch packs begin to fail and slip and this occurs. It can also be a pressure issue...
Car overheating during idling or stop and go traffic
Hello. If the engine will stay cool with the AC on or when the vehicle is moving then there is a cooling fan circuit issue. The computer may not be turning on the fan when the engine is getting hot....
Repaired ABS module installed, but lights on and not shifting properly
Hello. This can be caused by a few different things, but most of the time it is caused by the transmission speed sensors. I usually test the sensors first and replace them if needed. This is going to be the...
Coolant light keeps coming on
Hello. It sounds like there may be a coolant leak somewhere that is hard to find. It would be a good idea to have the coolant system pressurized and inspected for leaks. By adding pressure to the coolant system, it...
A click is heard, lights flash, and engine shuts down
Hello. The symptoms you are describing can be caused by a few different issues. The first thing I would check is to see if the battery is in good condition, properly charged, and able to pass a load test. I...
Ford fiesta in park but wont start and will only go in neutral
There are a number of tings that may cause this, however some are more common than others. Your car has a switch that allows the computer to differentiate between being in park or neutral (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-shifting-into-park-inspection) for purposes of starting the...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Radiator
Common signs include leaking coolant, vehicle overheating, sludge, and low coolant.
How Long Does an AC High Pressure Hose Last?
Your Your car’s AC system works very much like your home’s air conditioning in that it uses a refrigerant to hold heat and then to deliver cool air. Depending on the amount of pressure the refrigerant is under, it will...
How Do I Prepare My Car for Summer?
Summer's Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic will take their tolls on your vehicle. Follow these tips to ensure optimum wellness of your car: Air Conditioning: Have your air conditioning inspected (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heating-ac-inspection) by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin...