A/C causing overheating

2003 HONDA CIVIC
156,000 MILES • 1.7L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ADBLAND06
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Have the car listed above LX and I came to a weird problem. I was on the interstate and running my A/C, when I got off the interstate the car was close to overheating. Once I pop the hood, I notice that there is almost no coolant. Luckily, I had some coolant in my trunk, and I finish my trip without the A/C. Fast forward two weeks and I haven’t used my A/C and haven’t had the issue again, but I’d like to fix whatever the issue is so I can use my A/C in the coming summer months. Any help is greatly appreciated!
May 7, 2020 at 11:55 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like it was just related to the low coolant. Have you noticed any leaks? Is the coolant staying full? If it is, take a gallon of coolant with you and drive it with the A/C running to see if you can recreate the condition. I say this because the A/C is not directly related to engine coolant. I suspect it was just low and the added load caused the issue. Before you retry, make sure the coolant is full. Place a mark on the overflow so you can see if it drops when driving.

See if it happens again and let me know. Just keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If you notice it starting to go up, turn the A/C off.

Let me know.
Joe
May 7, 2020 at 1:51 PM
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