I was driving on parkway today and I noticed my AC was getting warmer, so I thought to myself wtf? Well that was until I looked at the temperature guage, it was almost at the highest level so I turned off the AC and reduced my speed. The temp wen down a little but its sticks higher than the usual temp I have on my car. What could be the problem here? Ive already done a coolant swap like 2 weeks ago and I dont seem to know what the problem is since it just started today?
Ive heard overheating messes up the head gasket, is there any possibility Ive messed it up?
Any suggestions and help will be really appreciated.
Could it be the thermostat? Could it be a clogged radiator?

P.s Ive searched and all I could find was overheating NOS bottle LOL.

Thanks in advance

 

im going with (in this order) -
clogged radiator
bad thermostat

you said you changed the coolant...did you actually flush the whole cooling system?

 

I agree with soonerfan - also, just for future reference - if you (or anybody else reading this who doesn't already know) ever begin to overheat again, turn on your HEAT! It would suck a lot on a day like today w/100 degree weather, but it draws heat from the engine bay which will prevent damage. You can have your radiator checked at the shop pretty easily. Thermostats of yesteryear were very easy to check as well, just take it out of the car, and put it in a pot of water and turn on the stove. You'll be able to watch it open once it gets up to temp. - The "newest" car I've had before my 03 maxima is an 87 RX-7, so I'm not sure if thermostats are the same nowadays, but I assume they are as it's a pretty simple/solid piece of engineering.

 

new update: I found out my car only overheats when I turn on the AC. I drove pretty hard and it didnt overheat. then i turned on my AC and my temp gauge went up slightly fast then i turned on the heat and it returned to normal. So Im leaning towards bad thermostat. I will check my manual to see how to replace it.
Or does anyone know how to replace the thermostat?

Thank you guys so far.
I will update you guys soon.

Soonerfan :I did a power flush which removed all the old coolant.

 

Check operation of cooling fans. If both are not kicking on with AC running and car at temp, you most likely have a bad fan motor. This is common on 5th gen's.

 

EDIT: helps to read the whole post before repeating advice that someone has already given

 

sounds like radiator or the thermostat

 

Word of caution - your engine has 2 stats... Make sure you replace the right one or both if that is the problem...

 

igzy: what is a stat? thermostat? I could only find one in my car. Here, I took a picture for you,

http://www.isadouchebag.com/STaT0r.jpg

is that it?

ope2k4: check the fans. They supposed to come on when the AC is on no matter what the engine temp is.

 

Stat = thermostat

That is the main stat. Second one is located in the back of the engine on the other hose going to the rad. It is inside the housing in the middle between the heads. The housing looks like a standard stat housing. Should be easy to find...

 

I went through the FSM and there is only one thermostat. There is however something called a "water control valve".

 

Ok guys I finally found out what the real problem is. The AC fan Motor is definitely dead. This is why the only fan that is working is continuously working and very loud. This is also why the car overheats only when AC is turned on.
So guys where can I get this fan motor so I can start enjoying my AC again.

 

figure out what's wrong with the fan... you may be able to fix it simply enough and save having to replace the entire unit.

check to make sure all connections are ok, test the motor.. i dunno what else..

 

I think I saw him say the AC fan motor is dead.

 

Ok guys Ive got some pictures of the AC fan motor.

Picture 1--- notice the burnt wires

Picture 2---- Notice how there is molten plastic all around the motor. The motor actually melt thru the plastic radiator fan and motor holder


So now I really need to get the radiator fan assembly with both fan motors since
its a single unit on its own.
Guess what Im not going to the dealer for that.

Anyone have a totaled Maxima with intact radiator fan assembly should pm me.
thanks

 

http://www.car-part.com/