jediboytj Report post Posted May 9, 2015 Hey guys! I have a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. I was reading about the way the HV battery is cooled, and how it uses the cabin air to cool it, rather than its own separate cooling system. However, there are times when I like to just drive with no a/c and the windows down, even if its kinda hot outside (I'm in south florida). Is this possibly harming the battery? I figure if the battery was possibly "overheating", there would a message on the dash indicating so, and so far I haven't gotten anything. But I just got a little worried because of how often I like to run the car without a/c (also I tend to get 3-4+ mpg on trips when I don't run a/c). I plan to keep this car for a very long time, and I just don't want to do anything that would harm the system. It still has 4+ years on its hybrid/battery warranty so I know I should be fine in this period, but I worry for after that warranty is up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lolder Report post Posted May 9, 2015 I'm in your same situation and do the same but when it gets over about 85º F., I usually put the AC on unless it's just a short trip. I wouldn't drive around a lot at 90. There are warnings and the HVB temp is monitored and there is a battery fan but i can hardly hear mine. I air a heat soaked car out with everything open for a few blocks and then turn the AC on. When in doubt, turn the AC on. A few extra bucks a month in gas is cheap insurance for a long HVB life. 1 acdii reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
md13ffhguy Report post Posted May 9, 2015 I don't have a scientific answer, but I can't imagine that the battery requires AC cooling at any ambient temperature. If it does, it should be noted in the manual. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites