Temperature Gauge acting funny

HONDA CIVIC
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STYLEZ302
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  • 4 POSTS
I have a '96 Honda Civic EX Coupe, 225K miles......My temperature gauge is starting to act funny on me.....My antifreeze is filled to the max line, and i don't se any leaks.....My issue is though when I'm driving the needle is where it's usually at which is a little bit above Cool......But when my car is at a stand still, like the drive thru McDonald's the needle starts to rise to H......But when I take off again it starts to go back down......Someone plz help, Thanxz!
Mar 20, 2007 at 3:33 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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You need to check and see if the fan works. When slow or sitting it acts like the wind of moving the vehicle and cools the radiator. See if the fan works or not. Try hooking wires from the fan to the battery to test. Then if it works you will probably have to replace the sensor that controls the fan.
Apr 7, 2021 at 5:19 AM
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STYLEZ302
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okay, but should the fans turn on at a certain temp. automatically or no?.....Jus' asking b/c I'm not quite sure......But tomorrow I'll make it a point to check my fans b/c that's prolly what it is
Apr 7, 2021 at 5:19 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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It is thermostatically controlled and will or should turn on automatically. The A/C cooling fan should come on as soon as the A/C in switched on. Two seperate systems.
Apr 7, 2021 at 5:19 AM
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STYLEZ302
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I finally figured it out!......I had no antifreeze in the radiator......So i just drained out what little bit i had which was old antifreeze.....Sprayed the hose into the radiator to wash out all the dirt, and just refilled it with fresh antifreeze.....And now my temp. gauge is where it's supposed to be.......BUT! i have a new problem......Now when I start my car it chokes, and acts like it what to shut off.....What could that be?
Apr 7, 2021 at 5:19 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
Start with purging the cooling system of air. Possibly once that is removed everything should go back to normal.
Apr 7, 2021 at 5:19 AM
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