I've tried to find a similar problem on these message boards with no luck.

I have a 99 Outback. This only seems to happen after the car is warm, i.e. driven for 10-15 miles. Everything seems fine while driving. Then I stop at a stoplight or park in a parking lot and in about 30-45 seconds the engine temperature will go from normal (in the middle) to the top of the gauge. If I start to drive it will go back down to the normal range. I did find a fuse blown and replaced it (SECONDARY FAN, in Engine compartment). It hasn't blown again, could've been blown when I bought it. I've had it for 4 months now.

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

Brian

Is the coolant level in your overflow tank normal or is it overfull?

The coolant level is in the normal range.

Did you check if the cooling fans ARE actually working while the engine is overheating?

I checked the fans. While parked the right one runs. Is the left one for when you are driving or should it be running as well?

I checked the fans. While parked the right one runs. Is the left one for when you are driving or should it be running as well?

 

Please correct me if I am wrong but IIRC both fans should work when:

1. The temp of coolant is too high

2. AC is on and compressor is running

So, if only one fan runs then you need to fix the other one.

It seems to me that the engine is putting out too much heat at idle which would indicate to me that there may be a head gasket problem sorry to say. I hope I am wrong. I would have a block check done to see if there is a problem with the gaskets. If I am correct then you should get this fixed as soon as you can to prevent further damage. If the gaskets are ok then I would guess the radiator is bad or the water pump is not doing its' job somehow.

 

Your cooling fans are working correctly I think but, the AC fan (left one) may be designed to come on also if the coolant temperature exceeds a certain limit, I'm not sure of the design on that part of it. It definately should turn on with the AC on though.