1996 Honda Civic Overheating problem

BSMITH_501

MEMBER
1996 HONDA CIVIC

Engine Cooling problem
1996 Honda Civic 4 cyl Automatic 143356 miles

I have a 1996 Honda Civic DX Hatchback. It has been overheating frequently as of late, but we cannot figure out why. The radiator and thermostat are brand new as of 2 months ago and the coolant levels are right where they should be. And by the time that the fan kicks in, the temp is already to high to the point that the fan doesnt really help much. What could the problem possibly be?

Thanks in advance,
Bill Smith

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Bill,

since the fan is kicking in only after the temperature is high, I would suggest replacing the fan switch. It is starting too late to control the temperature.

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Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 AT 12:51 PM

BSMITH_501

MEMBER
2 POSTS

How would I go about changing the fan switch? Is it something that I would be able to do at home, or am I going to be forced to bring it into a shop?

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Thursday, March 25th, 2010 AT 9:42 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

The job can be done at home. Item is located on the thermostat housing, a 2 wiire thermal switch.

Coolant would leak out, so perform the job with a cold engine and DO NOT remove the radiator cap to prevent excessive coolant from escaping when the switch is removed.

After installation, remove the radiator cap and top up the coolant. Run engine without the cap to purge the air trapped in system and top up whenever necessary. Close radiator cap when the coolant stabilises.

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Thursday, March 25th, 2010 AT 1:18 PM