3underpars

I own a 2001 Mercury Sable which for the past 2 years has an overheating problem. I can run all around the texas heat with no problems until I turn on the Air Conditioner. I drive to work with it on and the temp never raises above center. During the afternoon in the heat of the day when I turn it on it start a slow climb. The minute I turn off the AC it drops back to center. I have had the dealer look at it and sitting in the shop it never overheats. They charged me for a flush and fill and system check anyway but driving home it began to climb again. I dont believe it to be a thermostat problem since it only overheats with the ac on. I do hear the fans kick on as the heat climbs so I dont think it would be that. Any help is appreciated.

RickMN

Have you cleaned the fins on the radiator? A partially clogged radiator can go over the top once A/C is turned on. Also, is the air dam intact on your car? That's the plastic piece below the bumper. If it's not, that can also cause overheating. Finally, has an radiator or A/C condenser work been done on this? There are plastic and foam baffles up there and if they're not replaced exactly as installed, it can cause serious airflow disruption that would show itself when the A/C is on.

Also, is the problem worse with highway driving? Or is this an in-town problem?

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