What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message can appear on your driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, it means that the coolant in the engine is too hot, and the engine is not able to cool properly. While it is safe to drive the vehicle when the DIC shows this alert, the air conditioning will be automatically shut off to reduce stress to the engine.
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The AC being off due to high engine temperature symbol means the PCM detects too much heat in your engine or the electric cooling fan stopped working. The A/C is turned off to avoid overheating.
This is an indication that the PCM (engine computer) is recognizing that the engine is running too hot and or the electric cooling fan is not operational. Thus it shuts down the A/C to lower the load and not create extra heat.
If your car`s air conditioning has shut off due to high engine temperature, it is not recommended to continue driving the car as it may cause severe damage to the engine. Driving a car with an overheating engine can result in engine failure, which can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
The short answer is yes, coolant can affect air conditioning performance in a number of ways. Typically, coolant can affect your AC`s temperature, humidity, and airflow. Your AC`s temperature may be affected by the proximity of your car`s interior to your engine.
If this light turns on, it means that your vehicle has detected that the coolant temperature is too high. This indicates that your engine is likely overheating. If your engine is overheating, it is recommended to pull your vehicle over to a safe place and turn off the engine for at least 20 minutes.
Three of the most common reasons why HVAC systems overheat are clogged air filters, refrigerant leaks, and dirty condenser coils. These issues force your heater or air conditioner to work harder to produce the temperature and quality of airflow you need, which results in the system overheating.
What`s making my Equinox A/C put out warm air? If your car`s air conditioning isn`t blowing cold air at all (or it tries, then turns warm), you could have a clogged expansion valve, a faulty compressor clutch, a leak, or a malfunctioning fuse in the system.
If the thermostat is not opening fully or not at all, coolant will not circulate through the engine to the radiator for proper cooling. If the coolant temperature sensor is faulty and not providing readings to the ecu, the programming will deactivate the a/c also to protect the engine.
Because it is outside most people`s comfort zone, practically all air conditioning systems are designed to ensure that the system will not run when the outside temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In most cases, running an air conditioner below this temperature is not safe.
But when the system has to cool your home by over 20 degrees, its capacity to do both diminishes. As a result, your AC system has to work harder and uses more energy to do so. It, in turn, will lead to faster wear and tear, which can drastically reduce its lifespan.
Technically speaking yes you can use plain water in your cooling system but it isn`t recommended as a long term solution and certainly not in extreme weather conditions.
Circuit Breaker Tripping
If the outside condensing unit consistently loses power and trips a circuit breaker, it may mean that the compressor is about to fail. It`s a sign that the compressor is overheating and needs too much power to do its job.
Wouldn`t it take more time to cool a room? This is a common misconception. The thermostat in the AC just checks the temperature of the air inside the room and stops the compressor when the temperature reaches the desired level. This means that the compressor will work longer if the temperature is set to a lower level.
Normal operating temperature of new and used vehicles
Of course, factors such as air conditioning, towing and idling at a stop will impact this, but you should be fine if your car is running at anywhere between 190-220 degrees. Over this limit, and your radiator and coolant fluids run a higher risk of burning.
Normal coolant temperature will be around 195 to 220 Fahrenheit (approx 90°C) and anything above or below this can start causing problems.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Equinox ac isn`t working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. You may not realize there`s a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold.
Your vehicle`s AC not working is most likely caused by a freon leak or a failing compressor. While these are the simple to spot reasons for the air-conditioning not working inside your car, it could also be anything as simple as a dirty cabin filter or a bad belt.
Evaporator sensors
Controlling the temperature of the evaporator is one of the most important functions of temperature sensors in air-conditioning systems. The cooler the evaporator, the faster and more efficiently can the passenger compartment be cooled.
Remove all the pegs that connect the compartment to the dashboard. Disconnect it carefully so that you have access to the cabin filter. Pull the cabin filter out and clean with an air compressor to blow off the dust. Make sure to spray it with a disinfectant and pull it back.
What temperature is too cold for air conditioning? As a general rule of thumb, HVAC manufacturers usually recommend that users don`t operate units for prolonged periods of time if the temperature is below 16-18 degrees Celsius.
According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling.
A good general rule to follow is to use AC when driving at highway speeds and rely on windows-down driving at city speeds or while in stop-and-go traffic.
Although the basic answer is no, it`s not bad to turn your AC on and off, it`s important to implement changes that maximize efficiency. Along with following the tips in this article, consider regular AC maintenance for the best results.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
ANSWER : The A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message can appear on your driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, it means that the coolant in the engine is too hot, and the engine is not able to cool properly. While it is safe to drive the vehicle when the DIC shows this alert, the air conditioning will be automatically shut off to reduce stress to the engine.
Read Full Q/A … : What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
Ac off due to high engine temp 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
ANSWER : Hello – there are actually 2 temperature sensors on your engine – the first reports temperature to engine management, which varies fuel mixture based on this and other variables. The 2nd temperature sensor feeds the temperature gauge in the instrument panel, and it should mirror the data engine management is getting. If the gauge reads cold when you have reason to believe the engine is quite hot, check the connector and wiring to that sensor. A disconnect of that wiring will give you a very cold reading. Probably best that both coolant temperature sensors are replaced since have conflicting data, and "false" engine management behavior. Check the problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is on or not. If your vehicle is not longer under warranty, and assistance is needed, I recommend an overheating inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
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What should I do to fix if my car displayed "ac off due to high engine temp" on my 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
ANSWER : Hello. If this message is coming on then the computer is detecting that the engine is overheating. I would check the coolant level first. If it is low then there is a coolant loss issue. If the level is fine then you may have a bad sensor, or if you have plenty of coolant in the car then you may have a failing thermostat or another issue. The cooling system will need to be diagnosed at that point. If you are going to have this repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose why the engine is overheating] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-overheating-inspection
Read Full Q/A … : What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
A/C Off Due To High Engine Temp
ANSWER : This is a safety measure programmed into the engine control unit. If it senses the engine temperature is high, or is not reading engine temperature at all, it would deactivate the air conditioning system. The a/c compressor is driven my the engine and creates a load on it. That load increases engine temperature. If the ecu already thinks the engine temperature is incorrect or too high, it deactivates the a/c to reduce that load and temperature. The engine temperature can be above normal due to a circulation problem. If the thermostat is not opening fully or not at all, coolant will not circulate through the engine to the radiator for proper cooling. If the coolant temperature sensor is faulty and not providing readings to the ecu, the programming will deactivate the a/c also to protect the engine.
Another issue can be air flow. When the a/c is turned on, the radiator fan will typically turn on as well. first or all to provide air flow through the a/c condenser to provide you with cool air, and second to keep the engine temperature within range. If the fan is not coming on for any reason, the engine temperature will climb as well.
Have a certified technician inspect the vehicle as soon as possible. Continued driving with am engine running hot can cause severe engine damage.
Another issue can be air flow. When the a/c is turned on, the radiator fan will typically turn on as well. first or all to provide air flow through the a/c condenser to provide you with cool air, and second to keep the engine temperature within range. If the fan is not coming on for any reason, the engine temperature will climb as well.
Have a certified technician inspect the vehicle as soon as possible. Continued driving with am engine running hot can cause severe engine damage.
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Reduce engine power / check engine light is on
ANSWER : Hi there. Most of the time, reduced engine power is caused by a restriction of fuel, or the throttle body’s inability to efficiently mix air and fuel. This could be caused by a failing mass air flow sensor, EGR valve or other fuel system components. Since the check engine light is on, you should have a professional mechanic complete an inspection at your location to determine what codes are stored and which components require repair. This should resolve your issue.
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What does the Engine Oil Hot, Idle Engine message mean?
ANSWER : The Engine Oil Hot, Idle Engine message can appear on your driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, it means that the temperature of the engine oil is too hot, and the car should not be driven. Instead, stop the car as soon as is safely possible, and idle the engine. The alert will disappear when the engine oil has returned to a safe temperature.
Read Full Q/A … : What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
What does the Engine Overheated — Idle Engine message mean in a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
ANSWER : The Engine Overheated – Stop Engine message can appear on your driver information center (DIC), and is accompanied by a continuous chime. When the DIC displays this alert, the engine is too hot and can cause severe damage. Stop your car as soon as you safely can, and turn off the engine. The message on the DIC will go away when the engine temperature has lowered to a safe level.
Read Full Q/A … : What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
What does the Engine Overheated — Idle Engine message mean?
ANSWER : The Engine Overheated – Idle Engine message can appear on your driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, your engine is too hot to drive safely. You should stop your car as soon as possible and let it idle until the engine has cooled down. When the engine reaches a safe operating temperature, the message on the DIC will disappear.
Read Full Q/A … : What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
