Overheating

Welcome to 2CarPros.

It could be a few things. When it says check charging system, that is usually an indicator that the alternator has failed. Has the vehicle given you any trouble starting? Anything that indicates an issue with a dead battery?

Here is where we need to start. First, we need to confirm the alternator is working. Here is a link that explains a simple way to check it:

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

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

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Next, I need to know if the vehicle is overheating, or at least indicating it is overheating, regardless of where you are driving. For example, does it only overheat in stop and go traffic or does it also do it at highway speeds? Next, have you checked to make sure the coolant is clean and full?

Let me know.

Joe

Welcome back:

If the fans are not turning on when it starts to get hot and you aren't losing coolant, it has to be tied into the fan's not turning on. If I understood correctly, it does it when you drive in the sun, after aprox 10 minutes, and at a stop light or running. I hate to ask this again, but if you are driving 55 mph, does it happen?

I'm asking because if it does it even at 55 mph, the cooling fan isn't the issue. I just need to confirm. By running, do you mean highway speeds?

If it does it at highway speeds, the first things that come to mind are the thermostat isn't opening to allow coolant to flow through the engine or the system needs drained and flushed.

If you could, please let me know. I'm sorry that I didn't fully understand what you meant. Also, please check the tension on the accessory drive belt to make sure it isn't loose. This belt, aka a serpentine belt, can cause the charging light to come on and overheating. If you look at pic 1, it shows the belt. It will be on the left side when you open the hood at the front of the engine.

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If it is happening at highway speeds, then we need to start by replacing the thermostat and flushing the cooling system.

Here are two links that explain how those things are done. The thermostat replacement is a general overview, but I will provide specific directions below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-engine-thermostat-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

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2009 Acura Truck RDX L4-2.3L Turbo
Thermostat Replacement
Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Thermostat Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Thermostat Replacement
THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT
Thermostat Replacement

1. Drain the engine coolant. See: Coolant > Removal and Replacement

2. Remove the condenser fan shroud. See: Radiator Cooling Fan > Removal and Replacement

3. Remove the lower hose, then remove the thermostat.

4. Install the thermostat with a new O-ring, then install the lower hose.

5. Install the condenser fan shroud. See: Radiator Cooling Fan > Removal and Replacement

6. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system with the heater valve open. See: Coolant > Removal and Replacement

See pic 2

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Before you do any work, confirm the belt I mentioned is tight and in good condition. Honestly, when overheating, the charging light usually doesn't come on, so the belt is the one thing that directly ties the two symptoms together. It's a theory at this point.

Also, here is a link that explains how the cooling fans should be working. There are two types. Your vehicle will have the electric type.

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

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Joe

Welcome back:

I'm a bit confused. When you say coolant and water, I am thinking the same thing. What water is consumed?

Joe

Welcome back:

That isn't good. Either we have a leak or a bad headgasket. When this happens, is there excessive white smoke from the exhaust? If you check the oil, does it have a creamy substance mixed with it?

Take a look through these links and follow them to check for what can be causing the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know what you find.

Joe