96 firebird formula. just got my A/c system recharged, now i cannot use it without the temp guage running into the red. i bled the cooling system. what could the problem be?

 

Make sure when you turn on the ac the fans come on, thats the first place id check. Eric L

 

they do. sometimes my compressor doesn't kick on initially tho

 

interesting, my car actually over heats if i DONT use the A/C lol.

 

It should actually run cooler with the AC on. As both fans are supposed to come on with the AC. Check the wire connection to and from the AC.

 

If the fans are working correctly (and thus the relay and wiring are good)
then you might want to check your Coolant/Water mix. Should be close to 50/50
If you run an EWP, check it's wiring as well.

 

Also take a look at the radiator and condenser fins and be sure they haven't collected bugs, dirt, and other road debris. Wash them out as necessary.

Sometimes dirt and such can make it through the condenser and collect in front of the radiator where it can't easily be seen.

 

Not always. Even though the AC fan is on, its pulling all the heat from the AC system through the engine radiator. The other fan only comes on when the coolant temp reaches 210 or something (for my 95 anyways).

 

fans come on, cooland is around 50/50, water pump is stock and is correctly pumping water, condenser fins and radiator fins look clean; hosed them off anyway...

my car generally runs hot anyway... is it possible i have mineral buildup in my radiator? how do i check for that? i have run some radiator flush thru there once.

 

i...i...i think i found my problem... after my car overtemp'd and busted my waterpump... took the radiator cover off to remove the fans and a FRIGGIN EMPTY 30PK OF BUD LIGHT was between the radiator and the condenser! why would someone do that???

 

I'm assuming you mean the card board was between it. If thats the case sometimes people do that kinda stuff in the winter so the car runs warm and they get better heat inside the car. Then they forget to take it out. you see it on the trucks all the time. They block part of the air flow.

 

I have the same problem, but no bud light pack for me. My temp will start climbing within seconds of turning on the a/c. Any other ideas?

 

but isn't it gonna run warm anyway since the thermostat won't open til the car gets warm?

i'm still mad tho cos this just cost me a headgasket and a waterpump