Car Over Heating, Please help.
09-01-2009, 09:59 AM
#1
Car Over Heating, Please help.
Alright so here's whats going on.
last week as i was driving home in stop-n-go traffic i noticed my car was overheating (needle was at about 3/4). I turn off the air and turn on the heater which brought the temp down slowly.
after a week of trouble shooting. i realized the the car only overheated in traffic (slow driving) only if i had the AC on. I also noticed that only one fan was working. at normal operating temp. i wasn't sure if the other fan only runs at higher temp or not.
over the weekend i pulled out the thermostat and i found what seems to be a piece of gasket in the spring, it wasn't big enough to stop the spring from moving or anything i figure it was opening fine.
Ii proceeded to drain the radiator and filled it with some coolant system i got at autozone.
yesterday as i was driving home i monitored the temp the whole time. at the beginning it was a bit irradic (bouncing between 1/4-3/8) then it stabilized just below 1/2. when i got home i went inside for a minute and when i came back out there was a puddle of water under my car =/. i turned it on and only one fan was running. temp guage was normal. i turn off the car and found that the radiator now has a crack in the top right ( nearest battery).
anyone know what could have cause this? are both fans supposed to be on at same time?
last week as i was driving home in stop-n-go traffic i noticed my car was overheating (needle was at about 3/4). I turn off the air and turn on the heater which brought the temp down slowly.
after a week of trouble shooting. i realized the the car only overheated in traffic (slow driving) only if i had the AC on. I also noticed that only one fan was working. at normal operating temp. i wasn't sure if the other fan only runs at higher temp or not.
over the weekend i pulled out the thermostat and i found what seems to be a piece of gasket in the spring, it wasn't big enough to stop the spring from moving or anything i figure it was opening fine.
Ii proceeded to drain the radiator and filled it with some coolant system i got at autozone.
yesterday as i was driving home i monitored the temp the whole time. at the beginning it was a bit irradic (bouncing between 1/4-3/8) then it stabilized just below 1/2. when i got home i went inside for a minute and when i came back out there was a puddle of water under my car =/. i turned it on and only one fan was running. temp guage was normal. i turn off the car and found that the radiator now has a crack in the top right ( nearest battery).
anyone know what could have cause this? are both fans supposed to be on at same time?
Last edited by jrflores; 09-01-2009 at 10:02 AM.
09-01-2009, 12:15 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Jersey (Near Philly)
Posts: 511
I am not a Maxima cooling expert, but from my days working on Hondas and Acuras one fan only is dedicated towards cooling the radiator.
The other fan is strictly for the A/C system and is only activated when the A/C is running.
Not matter how hot the car is only one fan would run if the A/C was off.
However, no matter what the temp of the car is when the A/C is on both fans would run.
These 2 fans would help cool both the radiator (which runs hotter woth A/C on) and the condensor so you are oprovided with cool A/C.
I assume that Maximas are the same.
Hope this helps.
The other fan is strictly for the A/C system and is only activated when the A/C is running.
Not matter how hot the car is only one fan would run if the A/C was off.
However, no matter what the temp of the car is when the A/C is on both fans would run.
These 2 fans would help cool both the radiator (which runs hotter woth A/C on) and the condensor so you are oprovided with cool A/C.
I assume that Maximas are the same.
Hope this helps.
09-01-2009, 12:26 PM
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: chicago
Posts: 18
I am not a Maxima cooling expert, but from my days working on Hondas and Acuras one fan only is dedicated towards cooling the radiator.
The other fan is strictly for the A/C system and is only activated when the A/C is running.
Not matter how hot the car is only one fan would run if the A/C was off.
However, no matter what the temp of the car is when the A/C is on both fans would run.
These 2 fans would help cool both the radiator (which runs hotter woth A/C on) and the condensor so you are oprovided with cool A/C.
I assume that Maximas are the same.
Hope this helps.
The other fan is strictly for the A/C system and is only activated when the A/C is running.
Not matter how hot the car is only one fan would run if the A/C was off.
However, no matter what the temp of the car is when the A/C is on both fans would run.
These 2 fans would help cool both the radiator (which runs hotter woth A/C on) and the condensor so you are oprovided with cool A/C.
I assume that Maximas are the same.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by amech; 09-01-2009 at 12:28 PM.
09-01-2009, 01:02 PM
#6
yes please, could someone please confirm or clarify the operation of the fans.
Also, Any recommendation on the radiator?
ohh yeah has any one else had their temp gauge bounce like mine did it was really weird. do i need to replace the temp sensor? i'm afraid i has been giving me faulty reads now.
Also, Any recommendation on the radiator?
ohh yeah has any one else had their temp gauge bounce like mine did it was really weird. do i need to replace the temp sensor? i'm afraid i has been giving me faulty reads now.
09-01-2009, 02:13 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 388
in the summer both fans are supposed to be on. one of my fans (the one on the driver side) is the main cooling fan which is supposed to come on when its hot. the other fan is the a/c fan. My cooling fan works half the time so when it doesn't work, and the car isn't moving (so lesser airflow), i start heating up and warm air comes out inside even with the a/c on. The temp gauge bounces because the coolant temperature is changing, not because the gauge is broken...
as for radiator brands, just buy an OEM for $150.
the cooling fans also turn off at a certain highway speed to save power, and because the wind from your high speed is enough to cool the radiator itself, which is why you see these heating problems in stop/go traffic.
as for radiator brands, just buy an OEM for $150.
the cooling fans also turn off at a certain highway speed to save power, and because the wind from your high speed is enough to cool the radiator itself, which is why you see these heating problems in stop/go traffic.
09-01-2009, 02:36 PM
#8
I recently had to replace both my fans, since they stopped working entirely and my car would overheat. I have noticed now that both of the fans activate when it reaches a certain heat level(aobut 1/2 way) to cool down the car, even when the A/C is off. When the AC is on, both fans are on at full blast all the time. Dave B. is always recommended when it comes to large buys like this. He saved me about 90 dollars compared to my local dealership(and had the item in stock when my dealership did not).
09-01-2009, 02:42 PM
#9
in the summer both fans are supposed to be on. one of my fans (the one on the driver side) is the main cooling fan which is supposed to come on when its hot. the other fan is the a/c fan. My cooling fan works half the time so when it doesn't work, and the car isn't moving (so lesser airflow), i start heating up and warm air comes out inside even with the a/c on. The temp gauge bounces because the coolant temperature is changing, not because the gauge is broken...
as for radiator brands, just buy an OEM for $150.
the cooling fans also turn off at a certain highway speed to save power, and because the wind from your high speed is enough to cool the radiator itself, which is why you see these heating problems in stop/go traffic.
as for radiator brands, just buy an OEM for $150.
the cooling fans also turn off at a certain highway speed to save power, and because the wind from your high speed is enough to cool the radiator itself, which is why you see these heating problems in stop/go traffic.
the fan that wasn't running was the drivers side, so i guess ill have to replace it. can i do the individual or do i have to replace the assembly (both). are they on the same relay?
im probably just gonna order the Koyo i found for $140 shipped...Called dealer and they wanted $630
.
09-01-2009, 03:06 PM
#10
I recently had to replace both my fans, since they stopped working entirely and my car would overheat. I have noticed now that both of the fans activate when it reaches a certain heat level(aobut 1/2 way) to cool down the car, even when the A/C is off. When the AC is on, both fans are on at full blast all the time. Dave B. is always recommended when it comes to large buys like this. He saved me about 90 dollars compared to my local dealership(and had the item in stock when my dealership did not).
09-01-2009, 03:10 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 933
This has already been covered before.......BOTH fans operate (OFF, LOW, or HIGH) together, and the operation of the fans is dependant on coolant temp, car speed, AC off or on, and the refrigerent high-side pressure.
09-02-2009, 12:55 AM
#13
09-02-2009, 05:35 AM
#15
Old Fuddy Duddy
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,712
To the OP. I hope you also replaced your T-Stat after observing the gasket issue.
Dont forget to burp the system correctly to get all the air out prior to a long drive with your new radiator.
09-02-2009, 02:41 PM
#16
I would bet the bouncing was due to pockets of air in the coolant as he just drained and filled.
To the OP. I hope you also replaced your T-Stat after observing the gasket issue.
Dont forget to burp the system correctly to get all the air out prior to a long drive with your new radiator.
To the OP. I hope you also replaced your T-Stat after observing the gasket issue.
Dont forget to burp the system correctly to get all the air out prior to a long drive with your new radiator.
Well i removed the gasket debris, should i change the T-stat while I'm at it? it looked ok. Has anyone had problems with the Auto zone ones?
Im looking up how to properly burp the system now. I've ordered the Parts Already (fan, and radiator).
Since I already have the car on jack im changing the Belts too they are way overdue.
09-02-2009, 08:37 PM
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: chicago
Posts: 18
Well i removed the gasket debris, should i change the T-stat while I'm at it? it looked ok. Has anyone had problems with the Auto zone ones?
Im looking up how to properly burp the system now. I've ordered the Parts Already (fan, and radiator).
Since I already have the car on jack im changing the Belts too they are way overdue.
Im looking up how to properly burp the system now. I've ordered the Parts Already (fan, and radiator).
Since I already have the car on jack im changing the Belts too they are way overdue.
09-04-2009, 10:41 AM
#18
I installed everything last night. I replaced the Radiator, Fans assembly, thermostat, drive belts and i even did my front brake pads and all for under $500. man was i tired by 10:30pm. haha the Power Steering belt was such a pain.
Everything works perfect
.
Next up:
(9-10-09)
Tokico Illuminas and Tien S-techs
(9-26-09)
New Rotor
Everything works perfect
. Next up:
(9-10-09)
Tokico Illuminas and Tien S-techs
(9-26-09)
New Rotor
Last edited by jrflores; 09-04-2009 at 10:47 AM.
09-04-2009, 10:52 AM
#19
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,795
Surprisingly the OEM was only $2 more than autozone.
09-04-2009, 11:10 AM
#20
I hope you looked into prices got the OEM thermostat. I have had problems with the autozone t-stats. I flushed the coolant system on my '99 and changed the t-stat with one from Autozone. It started over heating shortly after when I would sit in traffic. Swithched to the OEM t-stat and everything was fine after that.
Surprisingly the OEM was only $2 more than autozone.
Surprisingly the OEM was only $2 more than autozone.
09-04-2009, 11:32 AM
#21
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,795
http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_sear....php?keywords=[21200]+\(a33b&cPath=1956_1957_1981_1984
09-04-2009, 05:45 PM
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 31
$19.17 at courtesy (plus shipping) if you need to replace it.
http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_sear....php?keywords=[21200]+\(a33b&cPath=1956_1957_1981_1984
http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_sear....php?keywords=[21200]+\(a33b&cPath=1956_1957_1981_1984
$15.97 at nissanpartsonline dot net.
They don't have such nice search as courtesyparts, but prices are lower + free shipping after $25.
Last edited by fessa; 09-05-2009 at 07:11 AM.
09-11-2009, 09:18 PM
#24
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2
I have 280,000 miles on my Maxima, and recently i kept smelling coolant. Then the other day waiting at a light I felt a thump, it was the engine, i was overheating. I pulled over and noticed steam and a leak from radiator. I barley got it home while stopping to fill with water. So i got a new radiator and hoses and installed. Everything was fine and running well. But it started to rise in temp 3/4 when at traffic light. If I go down hill it goes back to1/2 temp. Could this be the thermostat bad? Or is this air pockets that need to be bleed out? Very Curious
10-26-2009, 12:07 AM
#27
Soo yeah... just had to replace my ****ty autozone t-stat. went back to oem. suck too because i was like 50 miles from home, just as i was getting to the Smokeout tour, which was crazy! but yeah be forwarnd about those t-stats.
11-10-2009, 07:52 AM
#29
I would bet the bouncing was due to pockets of air in the coolant as he just drained and filled.
To the OP. I hope you also replaced your T-Stat after observing the gasket issue.
Dont forget to burp the system correctly to get all the air out prior to a long drive with your new radiator.
To the OP. I hope you also replaced your T-Stat after observing the gasket issue.
Dont forget to burp the system correctly to get all the air out prior to a long drive with your new radiator.
Thanks
11-10-2009, 09:06 AM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Brandon, FL
Posts: 897
11-10-2009, 01:47 PM
#32
you say that, but I've never seen one fan working and the other not. in the service manual it says hign and low, no one fan or two fans.
11-10-2009, 02:08 PM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Brandon, FL
Posts: 897
I have seen one fan working and not the other (when car reaches normal operating temp), two fans working (normal operating temp and A/C on) and no fan working in my car (such as when starting the car in the morning). If your fans are both working all the time, regardless of whether you're starting the engine after sitting overnight, or after a city commute with the A/C on, then something is not quite right with the operation of your fans.
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