03 LX Sport Overheat

[FordMan77]

Got a call from the wife today and she said that the A/C isn't always blowing cold, kinda comes and goes. Figure its low and I'll deal with it when she gets home. She calls back 10 min later and says that the temp gauge pegged itself and the CEL popped on (maybe due to temp gauge???). I had her shut it down at a McD's and letting it cool off as I type.

I've had zero issues with this car in the past and maint. is up to date. The temp is about 91* today with 70% humidity.

I'm kinda stumped as where to start on this one. The only thing that comes to mind would maybe be a bad rad cap or maybe the fans aren't running. I'll be checking the fans when she gets it home. Anyone had this happen to them before on the newer Vic's?

[jaywish]

Can you get to her? Make sure it does not get hot again. Stop when temp climbs and limp home if necessary. Perhaps there was a fluid leak. Bring several gallons of water just in case. Engine should be somewhat cool. At least normal op temp before adding cold water if much of the water is gone. Bring some repair tape in case it is a hose leak.

[FordMan77]

Well, she waited 30 min at McD's and it cooled off enough to get it home. I told her to leave the A/C off all the way home. Temp never got above the 1/2 way mark on the gauge. As soon as she pulled in the driveway I heard the reason for the overheat, lol... Fan cycles on low and is hitting the shroud. I turned on the A/C at idle and the fan never even tried to run on high. It just continued it's cycle of low speed then off. Guessing the bearings are shot and letting the blades wobble. Also, the CEL is still on. Hoping it turns off after the replacement.

So, looks like its new fan time at least. Hopefully it will run on high once it's replaced. Glad I have a spare car with good A/C.

[SVT98t]

There might be an issue with the fans not working. That happened to my Marauder at SF11. Also, check your thermostat as well.

-ryan s.

[FordMan77]

Ryan, what exactly was the issue with your Marauder?

I plan on doing a cooling system flush soon, so the thermostat will probably get done at the same time. Just rolled 150K so it's due again for coolant.

I did notice that I need to clean out the condenser and rad fins. I took the top cover off and there's junk everywhere. While it didn't cause the issue, it certainly can't be helping.

[mcninetyone]

To get that CEL to go off, you'll have to disconnect the battery for a while.

[SVT98t]

I had air in the system. And a bad thermostat. And the fans stopped working.
A lot of failure.

-ryan s.