I am on my 2nd 2003 Outlander LS with AWD. The first was wrecked and totaled, but I love the car so much I got another. Both cars had the same problem that I have just accepted as normal. After the engine heats up, the air blowing from the air vents is very warm, as if I had the heat on. This is an issue when dirving on a nice day when I want to have the windows down and the AC off. when the xcar moves there is a steady stream of hot air blowing from the vents. I have never seen this in any other car. Does anyone else have this problem? Is it just a design flaw or is it something about both of the cars I have owned? Spring is here...please help.

It's COOLING FAN CONTROLLER problem! Click here to view my webpage

I am having the same problem with my 2003 Outlander. The AC blows cool air for the first 5-10 minutes, then gradually the air becomes warmer. Then the AC light begins to blink and I can't get the cool air to come back on. I went today and had the COOLING FAN CONTROLLER replaced by the dealership at no charge, but they said the AC clutch was bad, possibly the compressor too. Replacing the cooling fan controller didn't fix the AC problem...same routine on my drive home from the dealership.

Exactly the same routine I went through. Dealership says compressor is bad, 2700 dollar repair. This is ridiculous, from reading these forums it's obvious this is a major issue with these vehicles

I have a 2004 Outlander XLS and it has a weather strip along the top of the hood where the 2003 doesn't. I think it is a design problem. Nothing to do with the air conditioning since it isn't on at this time. The air inlet is right at the bottom of the wiper arm assembly and kind off partly under the hood and when you are stop at a light or driving slowly the fan from the cabin air flow system actually picks up heat coming from the engine. You will notice if you come up to speeds closer to 80 kms that the air cools closer to outside temperatures. My Outlander has a temperature probe just back of the grill and it sometimes reads in excess of 40 degrees celcius when I stop. So if some of this heat creeps up from the engine compartment to the inlet well there you go!!! Mine has the same problem but probably to a less extent than yours. Hope this helps.