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My car overheats while idling and the the radiator fan doesn't come on. I did the "paperclip" test and the fans blow strong.

I'm having trouble determining if I'm low on coolant because the reservoir is so opaque.

My question is, would low coolant cause the radiator fans not to operate, or should I look elsewhere?

If the issue is possibly coolant, how are you supposed to know when to stop filling if you can't see? I just tried the night-time flashlight test and still couldn't see anything.

2002 Civic EX AT.

 
Rep Power: 222

Check the level in the rad, make sure it's full, the engine will need to be cold when you check.
The thermo switch for the fans is probably bad. Do both fans come on when you turn on the AC?

 
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Stupid question but, how do you check the level in the rad? If you unscrew the rad cap, should there be coolant visible right near the cap? I opened it and gave it a shake and I don't think I saw anything. (By rad cap I mean the one that is oddly shaped and says "Don't open if hot". Hope I'm calling it the right thing.)

I did the AC test but I'm not sure it's relevant because my AC doesn't work. But to answer your question, turning on the AC did not engage the rad fans. Only the paper-clip test did.

 
Rep Power: 222

Yes that's the rad cap and the rad should be filled basically to the very top of the neck that the cap screws into. Bottle should be filled halfway

 
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Thanks.

I'm going to get a ride to the Autoparts store tomorrow morning and probably won't be able to get another ride for a while. Anything else I should buy besides the thermo switch and coolant?

Are the links below the correct parts? And do I need anything other than a 24MM socket?

https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...152941_45301_0

https://www.autozone.com/antifreeze-...el=honda&year=

EDIT: And while I'm there, should I get a Coolant Temp Sensor?

https://www.autozone.com/engine-mana...584/413092_0_0

 
Rep Power: 222

They look correct except that they are AutoZone parts, Honda's tend to not like aftermarket electronics. Lots of people have issues after installing them. Use OEM

 
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Thanks.

I started by just adding coolant and it drank almost a half gal before reaching the top of the rad. I put the cap on loosely and let it idle to air bleed it, then tightened the cap and went for a test drive. I'm no longer experiencing the overheating, even when idling.

I'm afraid I have a blown HG though because the exhaust looks slightly white, and I think I smell syrup, but not just sure if I'm being paranoid.

My oil looks clean though and I don't think I'm experiencing any power loss, so that would indicate to me that it isn't a blown HG.

 
Rep Power: 119

These engine suffer a failed head gasket in a different way.

Keep a close eye on that coolant level.

 
Rep Power: 0

I'm guessing I have the early signs of a blown HG because of white exhaust for 30 seconds on cold start and possible sweet smell, but I'm curious if this detail make a difference: Today after driving and letting it sit for 4 hours, I opened the rad cap to check the level and suddenly it seemed like a lot of gas escaped because it bubbled over and spilled over a bit. But, the overflow reservoir is no where near full. Does this detail mean anything?