Q: Car overheats when running A/C

asked by on June 17, 2016

When runing A/C car overheats standing at a stoplight or stuck in traffic for a time.When it has cooled I've checked the fluid in radiator and plastic reservoir and they are fine.

My car has 190000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

Transmission fault message when pushing gas pedal to floor, in addition to high-pitched sound.
As for the high pitched noise you may have a serpentine belt or belt tensioner that needs replacement. As for the transmission issue, these vehicles have electronic transmissions. With that considered there could potentially be an electrical issue within the...
Car stalling and smelling like gas
The air intake houses the mass air flow sensor. This sensor plays a major role in the fuel delivery system. If this component was damaged during the installation in the new air intake hose, this could be the issue. Also...
A Volkswagen Golf Mk4 starts but doesn't rev at all
Many things can cause that. Either the fuel filter is clogged or the fuel pump isn't pumping fuel and it won't rev. Of those things, often the MAF sensors go bad and gets covered with dirt or goes out and...
Car makes a single loud pop when first backing up or pulling foward. Sounds like s hammer.
You should have the lower control arm ball joints checked (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-suspension-ball-joints-by-ed-ruelas) to see if they are loose. Also, check the sway bar link arms and sway bar bushings for wear or damage. An inspection of your suspension system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brakes-steering-and-suspension-inspection) by...
Error code P0014
Hello, thank you for writing in. The OBD-II error code P-0014 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0014-obd-ii-trouble-code-camshaft-position-b-timing-over-advanced-or-system-performance-bank-1-by-jay-safford) is typically related to an over adjusted timing issue detected by the camshaft sensor as opposed to a damaged sensor itself, which leads me to think that it's...
My radiator blew and overheated my van
You may have damaged the engine from continuing to drive it with it overheating. Specifically, you may have warped cylinder heads, cracked the cylinder heads, or pistons seizing in the cylinders causing a slower acting engine. The engine might start...
Transmission problem - 2010 Buick Lacrosse CXL
The Diagnostic Trouble Code P0989 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0989-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-fluid-pressure-sensor-switch-e-circuit-low-by-brady-klopfer) can set due to the following causes: Defective transmission fluid pressure sensor; Malfunctioning electronic pressure control solenoid; Defective electrical components, such as wires, connectors, and fuses; Insufficient transmission fluid levels; Dirty transmission fluid; Blockages...
hello i have a nissan np2oo bakkie. recently my temperature guage keeps goin up and down> 2013 Nissan NP200
Hello - there are several possible cooling system problems (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/overheating-problem-with-my-car) which could cause this behavior, low coolant level, a thermostat that is failing - not holding constant temperature, a cooling system that has degraded, and cannot keep up with short-term...
Makes a noise when I turn and hit bumps.
You should have the complete front suspension checked however the sway bar links and bushings are the most common cause of the noise when turning.

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy for Dog Owners
Dog Dog owners are a special breed of drivers. When they shop for a used car they have a list of requirements that can be quite different from other drivers, which tends to make the process a bit of a...
How to Get Jeep Dealership Certified
Jeep car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are Jeep certified through Chrysler’s official training program (MCAP)
Top Automotive News & Stories: October 1-7
BMW i5 images leak, an ultra-lux Jeep, hydrogen-fueled Colorado ZH2, Fisker's electric future, record plug-in sales, NHTSA Road to Zero, and more.