Engine overheats

2001 HONDA CIVIC

235,882 MILES • 1.7L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL

CAMILLE JACKSON

MEMBER
1 POST

The car listed above is an LX model, 5 speed transmission. I've had it since April of 2020. Had two or three small issued with it starting to run hot but never making it past halfway on the gauge. This was during last summer. Changed the timing belt the beginning of January of this year and ever since then, it has been all downhill. Was constantly steaming no matter how full it was of coolant. My cousin and I noticed the top of the radiator was cracked but as the seventh owner and the car having been wrecked three times previously not surprised. Changed the thermostat and then now the radiator. It's now running hotter than a firecracker.

Feb 28, 2021 at 11:41 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Other than running hot, does it run properly? Also, can you tell me if it overheats at highway speed or only in town driving?

As far as overheating, I did find one technical service bulletin related to an overheat condition. Take a look at the description and let me know if it seems to mirror what you experience.

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2000 Honda Civic DX Coupe L4-1590cc 1.6L SOHC MFI
Cooling Intermittent Overheating/High Temp Gauge Reading
Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Radiator Cooling Fan Technical Service Bulletins Cooling Intermittent Overheating/High Temp Gauge Reading
COOLING INTERMITTENT OVERHEATING/HIGH TEMP GAUGE READING
SOURCE:
Honda Service News March 2003

TITLE:
Intermittent Overheating or High Temp Gauge Reading

APPLIES TO:
2000-01 Civics

SERVICE TIP:
If owners of are complaining that the temperature gauge needle sometimes shoots up to the dreaded H mark for no apparent reason, the problem may be a faulty radiator cooling fan switch. If the switch is faulty, it can cause an intermittent overheating problem or cause the temperature gauge needle to climb past its normal position. To fix this problem, replace the thermoswitch, P/N 37760-P00-004, H/C 3881554.

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Let me know how the cooling system was bleed of air. There could be an air pocket causing it as well and if the cooling fan is working.

I don't know if you checked the coolant temp sensor. Take a look through this link. It explains how one works and what it does. Let me know if you experience any of the concerns listed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-coolant-temperature-sensor-works

Take care and God Bless,
Joe

Mar 1, 2021 at 8:56 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.