2001 Ford Explorer

[Layla416]

My truck is overheating - the air conditioner seens to run all the time, even when I set it on vent. Yesterday the temperature gage started showing the engine running Hot - never got to the red line.
Checked the radiator and no fluid is needed. Could it be the thermostat is stuck or should I unplug the fuse to the airconditioner?

 

[snake]

The A/C should not make the truck overheat unless the cooling system is already compromised in some way. I'd try a thermostat- or at least take the rad cap off when the engine is cool and watch the water flow in the rad as it warms up. You should notice when it opens and if it does there is another problem. Check the clutch fan and make sure it is spinning up properly and that you don't have a stronger than 50-50 mix of antifreeze. Too much antifreeze makes the coolant too thick and it can act like syrup- and not dissipate heat properly.

 

[Bent Bolt]

Check for fuzz between the A/C condenser and radiator. Will block air flow.