Car overheating when AC is on only

[Darthvoy]

Recently my car has been overheating whenever I turn on the AC after about 5-10 minutes. The car will never overheat by itself. What could be the problem? What should I check? I really don't know much about cars other than changing the oil and spark plugs every now and then. Thanks!

 

[Riverhound777]

How old is it? Could be time to have the radiator rotted out.

 

[Darthvoy]

Originally posted by: Riverhound777
How old is it? Could be time to have the radiator rotted out.

it's a 1996 Honda. I recently had the water pump and radiator fixed. For the first couple of weeks it worked flawlessly and now it overheats. I thought it was leaking coolant but when I checked the radiator it was topped out. Could it be the outside temp? It has been over 100 degrees here in Cali the last few days.

 

[LTC8K6]

Are the rad fans working properly?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
Are the rad fans working properly?

That's my thought. I'm betting that the fans aren't being triggered. The A/C should cause the radiator fans to come on at their highest speed.

ZV

 

[exdeath]

AC/fan relay? Do the radiator fans get louder when you turn the AC on (max temp, low fan speed so you can hear whats going on) even though the car was recently started and cool? Compressor sound like its spinning smoothly or is it noisy or does it bog the engine when it engages (ie: excessive load)?

 

[DonaldC]

Originally posted by: Darthvoy

Originally posted by: Riverhound777
How old is it? Could be time to have the radiator rotted out.

it's a 1996 Honda. I recently had the water pump and radiator fixed. For the first couple of weeks it worked flawlessly and now it overheats. I thought it was leaking coolant but when I checked the radiator it was topped out. Could it be the outside temp? It has been over 100 degrees here in Cali the last few days.

Seems like you should take it back to the shop where the work was done and ask them. What was the reason for having the water pump and radiator fixed?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Pop your hood, start the car, and watch your cooling fans. Turn the AC on - if no fans were on, at least one should turn on. If one fan was on, the second should turn on. If you don't have a change in fan activity with your AC coming on, that's gonna be your culprit.