‘19 Taco with under 500 miles temperature question

I got stuck on the international bridge between Mexico and the USA with zero traffic flow. It was 102 and AC full blast. It starting overheating so I turned off the AC and opened the window... problem solved. It made me think, why is mine having this problem, and another 2nd gen that was newer than mine stopped next to me with his windows down, I asked if his truck is overheating and he said yes.


Within 3 minutes of turning the AC off, the needle went from almost red to dead center

 

I was low on coolant so that solved the problem for me

 

A quick way to cool off an overheating engine - though, terrible to do so in the desert heat - is to turn the heater on full blast.

 

The computer will shut the HVAC system off to help prevent the engine from over heating. If it starts to overheat put it in park or neutral and rev the engine to 1500rpms or so. That should get the mechanical fan spinning to get some airflow.

 

My 2017 has never been past 204 (ultragauge) needle always in the middle. Fl heat, drive thrus, nat forest, etc. I would take it in with a quickness..

 

Holy moly, not normal.

 

This is exactly right. I had the same thing happen to me once in a traffic jam on the I-17. These trucks for some damn reason idle at like 500 rpm, and that's not enough to keep that fan or the water pump moving fast enough to flow enough coolant. I told my dad about what happened when I met him at the campsite and he said "dont sit in drive while stopped for a long time stupid. Put it in park". And then yeah I felt stupid after I heard him say it out loud. Your truck isn't acting abnormal the ambient air temperature around the engine bay is hot as hell coming off the asphalt and not moving in traffic is a tough place for a cooling system to be in. As much as it sucks we may have to help ot out a little bit. Put it in neutral and rev it up a little.

 

AZ heat never budged mine from middle position. I’m idling like 20 minutes picking kids up from school at 110* pretty often. That would freak me out. My AC used to flame out when Id idle even at a red light before the TSB. Since then it’s been solid.

 

What, exactly does park do now?

 

Takes a slight load off the engine... shouldnt have to do that of course

 

@jonatay Firstly, your engine heat shouldn't be that high, something is wrong with your thermostat or cooling system. Fix that first.

As for the air conditioner- the TSB is for a different issue - the condenser is not getting adequate airflow to work hard while you are idling in extreme heat.

As for bringing it in to get the TSB- ask to see what they will do to it first, you will be surprised! It may be free warranty work, but its a jury rig job and involves a day of putting an electric fan in front of the condenser (in front of the radiator), but the worse part is opening up things behind the dashboard to put in a simple relay.

If you are handy, do it yourself and use a simpler and less harmful solution by just using a fan and switch or relay without letting them tear things up behind the dash. Just tie the relay into the compressor clutch and it will turn the fan on whenever the compressor is active.

 

As others have said, this shouldn’t be occurring. I’d definitely schedule an appointment with the dealer and provide them with an accurate description of what happened. While the dealership may claim “they can’t replicate the issue,” insist they check the coolant system for any possible leak/bad thermostat or water pump. I’d also check your coolant level. If the reservoir is low/empty, that could be your problem.

 

Increases the rpm and allows more airflow.

 

No amount of engineering can compensate for a dirty radiator. If the fins are covered in dust/dirt/mud, the system will overheat in extreme situations.

 

What if you engineered another radiator in a remote location, away from dirt / silt?

 

Like on the roof, or attached to a self-propelled parasail? Well, then yeah...I suppose engineering would win.

 

Damn a radiator on a parasail, that'd be a sight to see!

 

Oooooooooo, a radiator snorkel!

 

Take that shit in right away. Don’t want to damage your new engine letting it run that hot. A hair under 1/2 is normal operating temp. With 110 degree in Southern California stop and go freeway ac on temp never ever ever moved.

 

It's moved. My temp has gone to 119 and not moved the needle.