not at below zero temps..

 

The AC comes on when you switch to windshield defrost. At full heat in these cold temperatures.

 

Ice buildup on the grille or AC condenser?
On a 2006 checking the coolant level is checking the surge tank. If the surge tank looks empty, not at the marks it is low.

 

Actually on all years the overflow or surge tank is used to confirm coolant level, but the rad cap is best to ensure there’s no air pockets in the system.

 

I guess you don't want to know if the cooling fan works...

 

I guess it won't make much difference at below zero temps. I went through the complete cooling system on my Land Rover, finding 2 bad cooling fans, intermittent relays, bad sensors, and electrical problems. The cooling fans will not kick in below a certain outside temperature so running the AC on max defrost will not make them run at -1 degree temperatures. and the fact I have no garage, It won't be warming up soon. Today's predicted high will be 13 degrees. a warming spell I guess.

When I was driving during November and the temps were much higher, the AC and cooling fans were functioning properly. Not that they may have failed since, but I can only test them when it warms up.

 

saw a post from 2013 which mentioned if the coolant temp goes above 240, the reduced power is initiated. most likely what happened adding coolant probably fixed the problem as it seems fine now.

 

You added coolant to the overflow or surge tank? Or added coolant to the rad pressure cap in the upper rad hose?

 

Upper radiator hose was full, parked on a 20 degree incline (neighbor's driveway) and the overflow tank was almost empty. I filled it up over the full mark yesterday before my 100 mile drive and had no issues.

I just went out and tried the start it and run defrosters on full and the fan did not start up. I tried my Land Rover and my son's 2021 Jeep with the same results. No fan. Overflow tank is in the same spot as yesterday after the drive.

 

Ok, the fan isn't coming on. That's why it overheated in November, and why it's running too hot in freezing temperatures. Check the underhood fuse block, fuse #40 and relay #50.