Your vehicle likely has a warning light that says something on the lines of “Engine Hot A/C Off”. If that light came on, would you know what it signified? Furthermore, would you know what to do about it? If the light comes on, your engine is probably running too hot because a circulation problem exists and has been detected by the computer in your engine.
Two different messages may be conveyed to give this warning:
- Engine Hot A/C Turned Off
- Engine Hot A/C Off
Something is either wrong with the cooling system or you have an improperly working electric cooling fan. To reduce the load and heat on the engine, the car has shut off the A/C. Additionally, you may be low on refrigerant or your electrical component wiring has a problem.
What to Do
You want to evaluate this situation so, as soon as you can, pull over. The engine should be turned off. Permanent engine damage could result from driving while your vehicle is overheated. Don’t continue your journey if your engine is overheating. For advice on what to do next, you may wish to consult a professional mechanic.
To cool your engine, if you can pull over out of traffic, set the heat in your automobile to its hottest setting. This will help cool the engine by pulling heat away from it. So the heat flows out of the vehicle, roll down the windows.
Fixing the Problem
You might be able to fix the problem, depending on exactly why the warning light came on. The cooling system must be inspected initially, and you can move on from there.
Radiator/hose leak:
- Look for any hose or radiator leaks. Before attempting repairs, allow the engine to cool completely (30 minutes or more).
- With a screwdriver, tighten the clamps for the radiator. One may have come loose. Make sure the hose fits securely before tightening.
- Use insulating tape as a temporary fix if the radiator hose has a leak.
Bad A/C compressor:
- Change out the A/C compressor if, through diagnostics, you have determined it’s the problem.
Blown head gasket:
- Head gasket sealant may solve the problem, but you may need a technician to replace the entire head gasket if it is fully damaged.
Coolant level is too low:
- Since this may come from a leak, after you get your coolant level to where it needs to be, park your car as soon as possible. Then you want to make sure you discover where the leak is and get it fixed right away.
Radiator cooling fan fails:
- Before attempting repairs, the engine must cool down completely. This could actually be a problem with the fuses or the cooling engine rather than the fan itself.
Malfunctioning temperature sensor or thermostat:
- A scanning tool may need to be used to diagnose the triggering of your Engine Hot A/C Off warning light. If you are not familiar with this mechanism, or don’t have access to one, a technician should be consulted. Different codes may point to different problems, each requiring a different repair.
Need to Fix Your A/C System? We Have the Parts You’re Looking for
Do you do your own work on your car? If the A/C system isn’t running up to par, you’ll likely need parts. We can help. We are R&Y A/C Compressors. We stock evaporators, condensers, valves, accumulators, and other parts you’ll need to work on your automotive air conditioning system.
To reach our customer service department, please call 305-919-8864 during standard work hours. On Saturdays, we are available from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. You may also choose to send us an email at support@rycompressors.com.
If you’d rather, you can fill out our convenient online form, send it in, and we’ll respond. We look forward to working with you.