Overheating at idle with a/c on

[Cement4R]

Didn’t have this issue before, but noticed the temperature at 3/4 while wheeling last weekend. Had been doing a lot of idling with a/c full blast and it was in the 90s. However, I was in the same situation 2 weekends ago and had zero problems with temperature. So this is new. I turned off the a/c and it crept back down to middle (and not slightly below middle like normal)

Only happens at idle and the temperature will creep up. Turn off a/c and the temp will slowly return to the middle. On highway there’s no problem with or without a/c on. Temps normal.

2017, 55k miles. Fluid in reservoir is clean, pink, and has been steady at the F line since I’ve had it. I think the dealership topped off the reservoir too full because the first week I had it some had spit out and required a little cleanup. Since then it’s remained level. Clutch fan is moving, though unsure if at the speed it should be. Welcome all suggestions — maybe the thermostat is stuck so should I replace it and start there?

 

[Dillusion]

Both fans turning on?

Doesn't sound like a leak so maybe thermostat or water pump.

 

[MTN4RNR]

Have you been in any muddy situations lately?

 

[Cement4R]

Both fans turning on?

Doesn't sound like a leak so maybe thermostat or water pump.

Both? I just briefly looked at the clutch fan. Is there an electric fan I’m missing?

Have you been in any muddy situations lately?

Yes. Prior to this problem I got pretty stuck in thick mud. Had a layer of about 3 inches of mud that took about 6 hours of cleaning. Took off skid plate and engine cover to get it all out.

 

[Dillusion]

Both? I just briefly looked at the clutch fan. Is there an electric fan I’m missing?

To be honest I've never paid attention under the hood. I was just assuming there was 2 fans.

 

[flyrv9]

Might be worthwhile hosing off the radiator and A/C condenser. Dirt can get stuck between the cooling fins and surfaces making them less efficient. Also, check your coolant mix to see what temp it's good for. If they added coolant, the mix could be off (check manual - I think 50-50 is best). You can get a coolant tester at any auto parts store if you don't have one.

 

[jhguth]

Clean your radiator and condenser, spray it down for a long time.and make sure you get any mud out of there

 

[Cement4R]

The front of the condenser/radiator looks decent but I will try hosing it down more and report back. Thanks guys!

 

[mteolus]

Jeeps are prone to this. Wheeled in a friends Rubicon and we had to roll down the windows and turn the heater on when we were wheeling uphill. And that was in 70 degree weather.

I haven't had any problems with my 4Runner though and I just got through doing some 4wheeling in New Mexico at 102 degrees in the desert. Sounds like you have some lingering mud somewhere.

 

[Cement4R]

Well, even though the front facing fins have been clean, I went ahead and hosed down the area anyway -- water dripped very brown.

So, I have a layer of mud between the a/c condenser and the radiator. I disconnected the fan shroud and removed the coolant reservoir and sprayed from both sides as best as possible. It's not perfect but I think a lot of it got out. I'm sure there is still some mud stuck on the front side of the radiator, but I can't get it to it directly since the condenser is mounted straight up against it.

I hosed it down until the water came out clear, but I'm sure some mud will be there forever unless I drop the entire radiator.

Thanks everyone for your help, hopefully that fixed it!

 

[Productive Paint]

only fix for this problem is to remove radiator and clean all the bugs and dirt from it or just replace the radiator. Included a photo of my 2022 limited radiator with this common problem.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Be extra observant to the fan clutch locking up. It will sound like a downshift and a roar when it does. If it’s happening when it shouldn’t, replace asap else you will eventually experience catastrophic disintegration of the plastic fan.

 

[Hungryhawk]

Try hosing from engine side forward. There are lots of flexible wands and gutter cleaning hose attachments that might clean both radiator and AC coil in place. The plastic shield/baffel just under hood can be removed easily providing better access to front of the radiators.

 

[Mo's TE]

Didn’t have this issue before, but noticed the temperature at 3/4 while wheeling last weekend. Had been doing a lot of idling with a/c full blast and it was in the 90s. However, I was in the same situation 2 weekends ago and had zero problems with temperature. So this is new. I turned off the a/c and it crept back down to middle (and not slightly below middle like normal)

Only happens at idle and the temperature will creep up. Turn off a/c and the temp will slowly return to the middle. On highway there’s no problem with or without a/c on. Temps normal.

2017, 55k miles. Fluid in reservoir is clean, pink, and has been steady at the F line since I’ve had it. I think the dealership topped off the reservoir too full because the first week I had it some had spit out and required a little cleanup. Since then it’s remained level. Clutch fan is moving, though unsure if at the speed it should be. Welcome all suggestions — maybe the thermostat is stuck so should I replace it and start there?

Monitor your trans temperature, I have had similar experience with clean radiator, changed thermostat and water pump.

Car was still overheating in idle in D position after a long drive. Temp returns to normal by turning the AC off. Trans temp return was 105c and since its it runs though the radiator I think it is overheating the entire system. We need to add transmission cooler.