My car, 99TL-P, overheats when I have the A/C on and I'm driving on a boulevard type streets w/ stop and go lights. On the Highway, it's fine, doesn't move neither do I have a problem sitting in traffic. I changed the thermostat and flush the rad, new coolant and added Royal Purple rad coolant and same $hit?! The rad's in good shape? My mechanic thinks it could be the fins on the front rad? The dealer has never seen this problem. Anyone else had this problem or has a solution?

 

As a Refrigeration mechanic (mostly super-markets), check to see if your condenser coil is plugged. That is one thing to check for.... and also see if the fins are bent over on the front/rear side of the condenser or radiator. It sounds like there is no airflow getting through the rad. Also try washing the rad/condenser out with a garden hose OR a pressure washer..... BUT BE CAREFUL NOT TO BEND THE FINS OVER....VERY BAD IF YOUR DO!!! Basically check to see if there is enough air flow going though both the rad/condenser. Good Luck!!!!

 

Ok this is going to sound bad but my wife had the same problem with her '97 Accord EX and end up with the replacement of the two fans, one was turning slower and the other had an intermitent cycle. $500. Sorry this could be your problem, good luck.

 

I have seen a few higher mileage TLs' with the same problem. Flip the A/C on so the fans come on and open your hood. Then grab a sheet of paper and place it in front of the CONDENSER. If it doesnt get sucked to the condenser in various places you have a flow problem. Most likely debris stuck between the rad and condenser and in the fins of the rad itself. Hope it helps!!

 

Thanks guys, I'll give the paper trick a try, as for the fans they both work properly as per the dealer. The fins do seem a bit bent at the height of the lower grill. I have a pretty good feeling the condenser's the problem. Big bucks??! $hit... by the way the car has high mileage...Thanks again

 

fan switch maybe?