Smoking engine

2009 HONDA CRV
94,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHRISAUSTIN
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  • 13 POSTS
Hello,

In idle, temperature gauge goes up. In the drive through recently, it started smoking lightly.

Recently, the A/C unit wasn't keeping the car cool. So we are planning a trip to get an A/C Freon boost. But then this happened, and we are going to get some better advice.

We had a recent oil change.

Any ideas?

Happy to donate.
Thank you,
Chris
Jul 19, 2021 at 12:19 PM
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SQM
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Hello Chris,

Does the gauge only go up when you are stationary?
Does it go back down to normal when you start to move?
You might have a engine overheating issue. You could have a faulty cooling fan which makes the temperature rise while stopped and go back down while you are moving as air flows through the radiator.
This can also make your A/C not as efficient in performing.

Check out the helpful articles:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cooling-system
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

As for the smoke have you opened the hood to see where the smoke coming from?
You could have a leaky radiator hose or coolant could be coming out of the radiator cap.

Please let me know what you find.

Thank you.
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Jul 19, 2021 at 12:37 PM
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CHRISAUSTIN
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Yes, the temperature gauge goes up when stationary.
Yes, the temperature goes back down when driving (particularly at higher speeds).
Would sitting idle as the temperature gets to the max cause something to smoke lightly? Because that's probably what happened.

I guess we need to check the cooling fan. I wonder if I could repair this myself.

Thanks

Jul 19, 2021 at 12:46 PM
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SQM
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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First you need to check and see if the fan come on while the engine in running. Just open the hood and observe it. Be careful not to touch the fan.
If it does not come on then it could be fan or the relay for the fan. It also can be the temperature sending unit (that triggers the fan).
I have attached diagram showing the relay location, also how to test the fan. That way you can verify it is defective before replacing it.

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

Let me know what you find out.

Thank you.
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Jul 19, 2021 at 1:05 PM
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CHRISAUSTIN
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Thanks for all of this.

I will test the fan tomorrow (when it's not raining), and go from there. Instructions seem easy to follow and I can get the part for $200.00 if necessary.

I will post back.
Jul 19, 2021 at 2:06 PM
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SQM
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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You're welcome.
Keep me posted. Any questions feel free to ask.


https://www.youtube.com/c/2carpros/featured

Thank you.
Jul 19, 2021 at 2:09 PM