Fuel, Oil, Cleaners & Other Maintenance Extending the life of your Civic requires the proper fuel, oil, and cleaners, along with other regularly scheduled maintenance.

Temperature gauge fluctuating

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 25, 2012
  #1  
amysylvester's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
amysylvester is an unknown quantity at this point
Temperature gauge fluctuating

I have a 2004 civic automatic, I've had this problem since August, on and off. My temp gauge will raise quickly, and recently stays on H for awhile, but it is cold outside and I don't believe it could heat up that quickly to overheat. It used to fluctuate between C and 3/4 to H. Also, my car won't be heated up enough to even blow hot air when the heater is on so I don't get how it could overheat. No engine lights come on, no smoke or smell when it goes to H, and I checked under the hood and it wasn't hot. I've had the thermostat and fan switch replaced twice, radiator checked out, several diagnostics, one place told me it was the head gasket, another checked it and said it wasn't. I don't know what to do, it does this every day now and I'm scared to drive my car but I feel like it is not actually overheating but possibly electrical? Input greatly appreciated
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2012
  #2  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Temperature gauge fluctuating

Here's a novel idea:
Troubleshoot the gauge, its sending unit, and its wiring.

What does a scanner say the engine temp is, while the gauge is acting up?
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2012
  #3  
04 Honda Civic's Avatar
Registered!!
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 2
From: New York
Rep Power: 254
04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light
Re: Temperature gauge fluctuating

If it really IS overheating at this point you have a bad headgasket.

You need a better mechanic.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2012
  #4  
amysylvester's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
amysylvester is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: Temperature gauge fluctuating

Originally Posted by 04 Honda Civic
If it really IS overheating at this point you have a bad headgasket.

You need a better mechanic.


Thanks for the input it is appreciated, the thing is I've been to two different repair shops and a honda dealership, who have all told me different things. We're going to test the actual temp tomorrow
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2012
  #5  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Temperature gauge fluctuating

Originally Posted by 04 Honda Civic

You need a better mechanic.
I can't believe I'm not the one that said this.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2012
  #6  
04 Honda Civic's Avatar
Registered!!
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 2
From: New York
Rep Power: 254
04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light04 Honda Civic is a glorious beacon of light
Re: Temperature gauge fluctuating

Heck, I am not even a mechanic, and I can figure it out with a scanner and some time.

If it really is overheating, your coolant tank should be overflowing everywhere. If its not then chances are you have a bad gauge/wiring.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
bolt-on-bandito
Electrical
32
Jan 15, 2020 03:25 PM
raymondxcho
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
2
Sep 29, 2015 09:00 PM
ktae13
Electrical
3
Sep 26, 2015 05:14 PM
260000milesgoal
I.C.E. (Audio) & Electrical Upgrades
2
Sep 25, 2015 07:41 PM
david34
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
1
Sep 23, 2015 11:13 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:09 PM.