Car overheating at idle

Tiny
JLASHEVER
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA ELEMENT
  • 227,000 MILES
I first time I noticed the coolant bubbled over. If I start driving the temperature drops or if I turn the heat on it also drops. Coolant level is full. Is this the radiator?
Thursday, August 12th, 2021 AT 2:58 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you could have a issue with the radiator cooling fan.
It could be a faulty fan or fan relay.
When your car reaches operating temperature see if you can see the fans coming on.

As you are at a standstill the engine gets hot as the fan does no blow air through the radiator. As you start moving you will have air flowing through the radiator and the engine goes back to operating temperature.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-electric-cooling-fan-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-electric-fan-motor

First check the relay. It is located under the hood in the fuse box (see diagrams below).
Visually inspect the relay for any burnt pin or corroded connector. You can also test the relay as well.

Here is a guide of how to do that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Another possibility is the coolant temperature sensor for the fan. If the relay is good and the fan is good then you could have a faulty sensor which is not triggering the fan when it needs to be on.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2021 AT 4:00 PM

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