Car would start overheating when it was stopped and in idle?

PAULDPHILLIPS

MEMBER
1996 HONDA PASSPORT
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
126,000 MILES

For the past couple of months my honda has been acting strange. I noticed that the car would start overheating when it was stopped and in idle. It also has not been starting properly. When I turn the key the car will try to start but it won't turn over. After several attempts it will usually start. On three seperate occassions I was driving in the car when it suddenly lost power and turned off. When I started it again the check transmission light was on and it was making a loud thudding noise as it changed gears. Are these problems related in any way or are they all seperate issues that need to be addressed individually, and what are they. If you could help me identify what is wrong before I go to a mechanic I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

They could be related, but it is unlikely. However, if the engine is overheating, that could be causing the transmission to run hotter than it should.

The first thing I suspect is a problem with the cooling fan. Since the overheating happens when you are stopped, there is no airflow. At a predetermined temperature, the fan should turn on and draw fresh air through the radiator to keep the engine cool. While you are driving, that happens automatically.

So, pay attention when you are in stop-and-go traffic to see if the fan comes on when the vehicle starts running hot. If it doesn't turn on, then check the following things.

If you look at the attached pic, it shows the under hood fuse/relay box. I highlighted the fuse and relay related to the fan. First, check to fuse, EB19. In addition to checking the fuse, confirm there is power both to it and from it.

Here is a link that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If that is good, check the fan relay. If there is another one in the box with the same part number, switch them to see if it makes a difference. If there isn't, here is a link that explains how to test a relay:

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

If the relay tests bad, replace it.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)