Rep Power: 0

Hello, new to this forum and I have a problem with my civic recently: I do not know how to remove the ect switch solenoid. Newb at fixing cars and don't know if I'm supposed to twist or pinch, can't seem to just pull it out. Reason I'm taking it off is to remove the ect switch since my cars overheating due to fans not turning on .

 
Rep Power: 812

isnt it just a clip on connector? should be able to squeeze it and then pull up. it could be crusty if youve never removed. post some pic of what it looks like.

 
Rep Power: 0

It's the solenoid the green arrow is pointing to on the thermostat housing, cant seem to remove it to remove the ect switch, also im planning to remove the ect switch with a wrench, its just like removing a screw right? No need to disconnect the battery or drain coolant right?

 
Rep Power: 235

You don't have to drain the coolant, just pull the hose off the thermostat housing and lay it over to the side pointing up so you don't lose anymore coolant than you have to. Unscrew the thermostat housing bolts (red arrows). Pay attention to the direction the thermostat is pointing (it should only go in one way). That solenoid/switch (green arrow) should just unscrew from the housing with a wrench. Put it all back together, top off and burp the cooling system.

 
Rep Power: 0

thank you, I've been searching online and even the service manual but I kept getting: remove solenoid (doesnt say how). Now by burp you mean to remove the radiator cap and let the car warm up with the cap off till no more burps occur right? Thanks again

 
Rep Power: 812

you should be able to unplug the grey connector with green arrow (just squeeze the clip on one side to release it and pull up), then use a deep socket to remove the sensor. the air introduced will almost be like nothing but it doesnt hurt to bleed the air out anyway. i dont think its needed for such a small procedure.

 
Rep Power: 235

The service manual says to put the cap on loosely, let the car warm up then tighten the cap. I've always just let it run and keep topping it off until it won't take anymore.

edit: I don't know what I was thinking. That solenoid you just squeeze and pull, maybe twist a little.

 
Rep Power: 0

well, I got the solenoid off and removed the ect switch and put in a new one. I went for a drive and once again the temp gauge goes up everytime I stall at a red light or when waiting at a drive-thru, quick solution I use is to turn on the heater on high and the temp gauge goes down but it is hot enough as it is in California right now. Anyone had this problem before?

 
Rep Power: 812

the ect does not control the fan. there is another fan sensor for that. you may also have a bad thermostat.

 
Rep Power: 367

for the future for your car work, get a haynes manual in any auto store (cheap), or helms manual online (expensive but more complete).