Folks I'm from Texas and it's a hot one right now! Adding to the problem I am having some problems. Maybe one of you will know what it is or sounds like. About a week ago my car stalled out it was overheating. I let it cool and went on my way. On the way home it started again. It overheated and then the needle dropped dramatically. That part sounded like a thermostat issue. The next day it stalled again, all the lights came on but no overheat. I've stopped using the A/C to avoid stress on the engine but now when I try to turn on the A/C the battery light comes on and it stalls.

Any ideas or input here. I'm super low on funds right now and Mini wants 300(!) to replace the thermostat, if that is even what it is. I'm not even sure there aren't multiple issues afoot as I replaced the battery about a month and a half ago and they said if the gas gauge didn't work after that it was a cluster that I cannot recall the name of at the moment. Thanks for reading this lengthy post.

 

The first WAG that comes to mind is that your A/C compressor might be seized up. If so, when you turn on the A/C the clutch (which has the accessory belt spinning it) grabs the bad compressor shaft and the belt slows/stalls the engine.

GL!

 

That is exactly what my brother said! Ugh not looking forward to the estimate. Ugh.

 

You can get a rebuilt one on Ebay for $270 or so. When you send your old compressor to them they credit your paypal $30 so in essence the part is around $240. If you buy this from the stealership expect to pay 2-3 times that amount. They also offer free shipping for the new part and also offer free pick up on your old one.

Here's a link, I used them about 6 months or so ago and there hasn't been any problems as of yet. They also offer 1 year warranty on the part.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...Q5fAccessories

Hope this helps.

 

They have issues with the fan. The low speed should come on with the AC, and that is what goes bad. Eventually the high speed comes on and cools things, but the temp swing is much bigger than normal. This sounds a bit like part of the issue, but the siezed compressor sounds like the other part...

 

I had a fan issue like that. The fan and install was not cheap at the dealer. Around 800 with parts and labor. It really ticked me off. As far at the A/C get it recharged and have a pressure test done. If you running around with low refridgerant it can have some harsh effects to that compressor. You should be able to get a charging and pressure test from a local shop pretty cheap.

 

As far as the fan is concerned, search " low speed fan resistor" for a less expensive solution

 

Nearest dealer to me is 360 miles away. I had a local shop replace my radiator fan (just a few weeks ago) and it came to $375 parts and labor.