QuestionI just got my car back from cross-country trip, and it's starting to overheat. I first noticed the problem because my AC started blowing only warm air. Then, I noticed green fluid puddling under my car. When I opened the hood, I could see the fluid bubbling in the expansion tank, but I couldn't locate any holes. Any suggestions?
AnswerAir Flow:
Look inside the front grille for any obstructions, (ie. plastic bags etc.)
Engine idling turn the ac on and check that both cooling fans are spinning. The air flow coming from them should be strong, reason I say this is a fan motor can fail but still spin, meaning it has enough power to rotate but not push air.
AC off, the main fan should cycle with the temperature of the engine, if it doesn't a connection at a temperature sensor may be to blame or possibly the sensor itself, though rare.
Warm air from the AC is a result of insufficient cooling at the condenser (the radiator of sorts for the AC) which mounts in front of the engines radiator, likely no fault with the AC system.
When the engine is cold check the levels, if your not sure you should change the coolant and be sure to use a mixture for you particular climate. 70% glycol to 30% water for colder areas and 50/50 for warmer. Too much glycol in the mix can cause overheats also.
Have any work done recently?
