Overheating but not always

OBINNAJI

MEMBER
2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Recently when is hot outside my car overheats if my car is not moving (in traffic). The alarm will come on which displays "water temperature high". But gets back to normal when the car is in motion.
It does not overheat in the morning if the weather is cool. As soon as it gets hot outside it fluctuates. When I run the air it does not cool. Thanks

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

Based on your description, it sounds like the cooling fans are not turning on. Here are directions for checking the fans. Understand, when moving, air circulates through the front of the vehicle. When stopped, the fan need to turn on for the system to cool.

CONVERSION CALCULATOR

2008 Toyota Camry L4-2.4L (2AZ-FXE) Hybrid
Vehicle � Engine, Cooling and Exhaust � Cooling System � Radiator Cooling Fan � Testing and Inspection
TESTING AND INSPECTION
2AZ-FXE COOLING: COOLING FAN SYSTEM:

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

INSPECT COOLING FAN OPERATION AT LOW TEMPERATURES (Below 83°C (181°F))
(a) Set the vehicle to inspection mode. See: Testing and InspectionComponent Tests and General Diagnostics
(b) Start the engine.
(c) Check that the cooling fan stops.
If not, check the cooling fan relay and engine coolant temperature sensor, and check whether there is disconnection or an open circuit between them.
(d) Disconnect the engine coolant temperature sensor connector.
(e) Check that the cooling fan rotates.
If not, check the fuses, cooling fan relay, ECM and cooling fan, and check for a short circuit between the cooing fan relay and engine coolant temperature sensor.
(f) Reconnect the engine coolant temperature sensor connector.
INSPECT COOLING FAN OPERATION AT HIGH TEMPERATURES (Above 93°C (199°F))
(a) Set the vehicle to 2WD inspection mode. See: Testing and InspectionComponent Tests and General Diagnostics
(b) Start the engine, and raise the coolant temperature to above 93°C (199°F).
HINT: Coolant temperature is detected by the engine coolant temperature sensor on the water outlet.
(c) Check that the cooling fan rotates.
If not, replace the engine coolant temperature sensor.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe