2005 Toyota Matrix Run Ac M Stop Traffic Temperature Gauge Will Skyrocket

2005 TOYOTA MATRIX
148,000 MILES
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SAMANTHAA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When I run my AC when I'm in stop-and-go traffic, my temperature gauge will skyrocket to the "red zone." My car will start to smell like burning rubber/plastic, and if I don't catch it in time, orange liquid will come bubbling over and spilling onto the ground. If I'm driving on the highway though, it's completely fine. I know the car is essentially overheating. Any ideas on why and how to fix it?
Nov 29, 2012 at 12:41 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Check the cooling fans, seems they are not working. While on the highway, air flowing into the engine compartment is sufficient to keep the temperature down.

Turn on A/C and not if cooling fans comes on.
Nov 29, 2012 at 1:19 PM
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