AC Off Due To High Engine Temp – Causes And Fixes?

Chances are that every motorist has experienced the AC off due to a high engine temp warning at least once in their lifetime.

When the AC turns off because the engine is too hot, you should check the air filter, coolant, and thermostat first. In terms of an air filter issue, it could be resolved by cleaning.

Nevertheless, coolant and thermostat problems often require extensive repairs, sometimes even complete replacements.

While it may not seem like a big deal at first, overheating and lack of air conditioning can seriously damage your vehicle. However, the good news is that there are some simple and effective solutions to the problem.

The article analyzes what triggers the AC to stop working immediately after the engine heats up. We also explain the causes and solutions to eliminate the problem quickly.

What Is Meant By AC Off Due to High Engine Temp?

The dashboard of a car displays “AC off due to high engine temperature” when it detects no AC. As indicated on the dashboard, the reason for this is an overheated engine.

You see, both the AC and the cooling system work together to cool the vehicle. When the engine overheats, the car’s cooling system is massively strained.

Unfortunately, it cannot keep up with the output needed to cool the vehicle. This is exactly when the air conditioner fails to work.

Causes of AC Going Off Due to High Engine Temperature

AC is turned off by high temperatures for three primary reasons as follows.

Thermostat And Air Filter

Both of these components are instrumental in ensuring the AC performs optimally. When it comes to a thermostat, it can simply wear out over time. On the other hand, air filters tend to clog more often than they are damaged.

When any of these components fail, the engine will overheat, and the air conditioner will cease to function.

Coolant Leak

Remember that the coolant’s sole purpose is to prevent the engine from overheating. If it fails, heat finds its way into the engine, causing it to become overheated. This leads to the air conditioner stopping immediately.

There are several reasons why a car’s coolant system may fail, but the most common is leakage. And hose clamps and radiator hoses are mostly responsible for such leaks.

Other Components

Apart from filters, coolants, and thermostats, AC problems can arise from various other components.

A fan capacitor is a component that serves as a battery to power the AC. The air conditioner will no longer run whenever it cannot generate electricity.

Another critical part is the hose that attaches the catalytic converter to the filter. It often has leaks (air leaks) that also make the AC inoperable.

How Do You Fix – AC Not Working Due to High Engine Temperature Issue

Here are seven methods you can utilize to resolve the issue. Do not give up if one does not work. Try another alternative instead.

Unclog The Air Filter

One of the vital reasons why the AC shuts off is a clogged air filter. It overheats the engine and increases the pressure of the filter. As a result, the airflow decreases significantly.

All of this contributes to the compressor fan overloading and eventually stopping.

To unclog the air filter, take it out of the car and spray it generously with filter cleaner. Then clean as much dirt as possible by scrubbing and rinsing it away.

Check The Thermostat

When AC is not working because of high temperature, try checking the thermostat first, as it is likely the device is malfunctioning.

Unfortunately, no repair options are available if there is a problem with the thermostat. It simply means you must replace the component for your AC to function again.

Check The AC Fan Capacitor

A fan capacitor is crucial to the air conditioner because it drives the system. What powers the fan capacitor is the relay located beneath the hood.

If the capacitor does not receive adequate power from the relay, it cannot supply enough power to DC, causing it not to work. Hence, ensure the fan capacitor gets constant power from the relay.

Analyze The Combination of Air And Fuel

This is one of the most important things to do when your AC stops working due to high temperatures. Pick a regular lighter and check the air/fuel mixture thoroughly as possible.

Chances are that the combination of air and fuel is not up to the mark. In that case, you need to adjust the air/fuel ratio to the ideal level, which should be 14.7:1.

Look for Leaks in The Coolant

Coolant leaks are hard to prevent since there are numerous reasons why they occur.

If the hose clamp and head gasket are in bad shape, there will be coolant leaks. Even a blown radiator hose can also lead to coolant leaks.

To fix the leak, you need to determine why the coolant leaked in the first place. Replacing the component is the only option, whether due to a damaged hose clamp or head gasket.

Make Sure There Isn’t Any Air Leak

Many people fail to check one of the key parts that can cause the problem. It is the air filter’s hose that connects to the catalytic converter.

Even if a single hole exists in the hose, the AC would be automatically turned off. The only option left is to seal the hole or completely replace the hose.

Set Your Air Conditioner to The Right Mode

A car’s air conditioning can be set to a variety of modes. Ensure that you are using the correct mode and low speed.

There may be times when the AC kicks on after a while. It is not caused by the air conditioner but rather by the weather.

Having said that, even a new car’s AC can malfunction. Thus, when an air conditioner does not function, there is no guarantee that some other part is at fault. It simply might be a damaged AC.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How safe is driving with the AC off due to high engine temp?

It is unsafe to drive with the AC off due to high engine temperatures. If you continue driving, the engine will continue to heat up. There are also many safety concerns associated with it.

Considering all this, avoid driving your vehicle when it overheats. Let the car cool down for your safety and the car’s as well.

2. Is engine temperature related to air conditioning?

Yes, it is related since the air conditioner and cooling system combine to maintain the vehicle’s temperature. The higher the temperature, the more pressure the AC is under.

Hence, an overheated engine eventually forces the air conditioner to shut down completely.

Final Words

As mentioned in the article, the message ‘AC off due to high engine temp’ appears due to a clogged air filter, a defective thermostat, or a leak in the coolant. Thankfully, with the instructions we outlined, you can fix all of these problems to restore cooling to your car.