1985 Honda Accord Overheating?

CONNIELPZ

MEMBER
1985 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
136,530 MILES

I'm having problem with my Honda. I'm not sure if it's overheating although the needle seems to say it is. The needles inside kind of work and kind of don't. They get stuck sometimes and after the car warms up or whatever then they start working. So I'm not sure if the car is really overheating. I don't smell anything. What else can I check to see what's going on and is there a way to make the needles work (via fuse or something) so that way I can be more confident in my car.

Thanks.

3 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

If the gauges are all "jumpy" then you will just have to replace the instrument cluster. If it is just one gauge that is inaccurate then you can replace it's components (i.E. Fuel sender for fuel gage). Make sure you have plenty of coolant in the radiator and reserve tank. Try turning on the heater when the needle indicates overheating, see if the needle goes back to normal with the heater on or if it still acts up.

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Friday, June 26th, 2009 AT 4:33 PM

CONNIELPZ

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks bluelightnin6. I wouldn't say the needles are exactly 'jumpy' as much as I would dead and then they come to life to where they are supposed to be.

Just out of curiosity. Before I go riding around in 100 degree weather with the heater on in my car :) what will that mean if the needle moves or does not move for the car?

Thanks for your help.

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Friday, June 26th, 2009 AT 4:43 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

If the needle moves from Hot back down closer to normal while the heater is on, it indicates that your engine IS overheating. However, since you say that the needles are "dead" intermittently, I do believe it is just a faulty instrument cluster (the gauges) that are bad, not the engine overheating.

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Friday, June 26th, 2009 AT 4:52 PM