Q: Engine starts to run hit when ac is on sitting still. Runs at normal temp when driving.

asked by on May 27, 2017

Noticed this yesterday when I was leaving work. I started my car and turned the ac on. Went back into the building to lock up and came back out five mins later and the car was running hot. Ac was on so I cut it off and started driving as I was only a few mins from home. Car went back to normal operating temp while I was driving. Turned the ac on and it was fine. Checked the coolant overflow bottle and it was almost empty. Topped it off and all seemed fine. Checked it again today and it's still full but the same problem persists. I have not seen any leaks or anything and the fans are all running properly.

My car has 122329 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

How do I replace the brake light, taillight, rear turn signal and rear side marker bulbs?
While replacing your headlights and front directional bulbs requires a lot of different steps, that’s not true when it comes to the bulbs in the rear. They’re all held in the same assembly, and they’re all easily accessible from inside...
Problems filling up my car.
The fuel inlet hose into the fuel tank has a vent system that if it gets blocked for some reason would not allow fuel to be put in too fast. The vent system would have to be checked for obstructions...
Steering wheel locked while going around curve
I would suspect that the steering is electronic and something was not making contact when you were going over the bumps and caused the steering to lock. It could also be a programming issue or a steering sensor issue. Have...
I put new throttle position sensor on now the car wont start i connected everything back on correctly so why wont it crank now ?
Hey there. Replacement of the throttle position sensor on your vehicle is pretty straight forward. There is no adjustment to be made - just remove and replace the sensor and you should be done. If the vehicle isn't starting, you...
Codes say evap leak, can a car accident cause it?
Hey there. Depending on the impact of the hit to your van, this may have caused some damage to the EVAP system. If you have an air leak on the EVAP system, then the MAP sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) will not be...
Remote car starter and automatic door locking mechanism won't work after crash.
Hi there. With having the battery cable loose, that caused the computer to reset and lose its memory. I recommend reprogramming the key fob to the vehicle to allow the door locks and ignition to work. First put the key...
Uncontrollable shaking
Hello and thanks for writing in. Shaking at high speeds is often times related to tires that may be out of balance, low on air, potentially a badly aligned front end or failing suspension components or ball joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ball-joint-front-replacement). When...
Where is the starter on a 2009 Jeep Patriot
On your car, the starter is below the air cleaner box and air tube. You have to remove those, as well as other components to access the starter. Once you have accessed the connections to the starter, test for power...
when I let off the accelerator it pulls to the left slightly
Pulling to one side can be caused by worn or loose suspension components, or even a brake issue. Does it pull harder to the same side or the opposite when you brake ? If so, it can be due to...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Construction Worker
If If you're a construction worker, you don’t have to worry about hauling a whole lot of supplies and materials to the site – that’s the boss’s problem. As long as it’s big enough to hold your tools (and most...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Love Camping
Do Do you love camping, getting back to nature and enjoying life in the great outdoors? If you do, then you know that getting there can be half the fun, and it’s even better if you have a great ride....
How to Get Hyundai Dealership Certified
Hyundai dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through Professional Automotive Career Training and Global e-Campu