Rep Power: 0

Hi guys,

I need your/help in diagnosis. I have 2002 Honda Civic. I got into a fender bender in a stop and go traffic today and ran into this pick up truck (with a hitch).
The hitch bent the frame and then pushed radiator along with it. Pictures attached for reference. I saw a little bit of coolant leak at the time, but then not much. It didn't seem to leak when I stopped during my way home. I was 20 miles away from home, so I took the chances to drive it as much as I can. The vehicle did get hot a few times, I stopped and let it cool down before proceeding.

I made it home, but now I am curious what the problem could be. The fan on the driver side works, and not on the passenger side.
Any thoughts? Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 366

pull the bumper out and inspect

 
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Alright! I don't have the tools, but anything else I could do to see why the the other radiator fan is not working?
Would that cause the vehicle to overheat right away?

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 366

you don't need much to drop the top of the bumper...
it's a 5-10 minute job.
You don't need to remove the bottom of the bumper, just the top and let it hang while you inspect the radiator

notice how my bumper is not connected to the top radiator frame? Just remove top two clips, the ones at the fender and wheel well and pull the bumper forward...

 
Rep Power: 0

oh okay. I see. Hopefully, I can put it back together once I do that lol
Also, the frame in front of the radiator is bent quite a bit, so it will definitely need a professional repair, but I am trying to see if I can still use the car in the meantime without having to pay for the major repair.
I am also looking for a replacement car too.

 
Rep Power: 223

Based on your previous pictures I would say the radiator is cracked and leaking. Going to be low on coolant and overheating. If driven too much you will eventually need a head gasket too (and possible an engine).

 
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yep, the radiator might be. It's good though that it didn't leak out coolant. I haven't seen a puddle underneath my car yet.
I wish I can get the radiator fan working and maybe get a few more days out of this car. lol
So when I was driving home yesterday, after the fender bender it was getting warm, it stayed 2/3 points below for about 10-12 miles, but afterwards it kept getting hot quickly, so I stopped and waited until it cooled down.
I did smell a tiny bit of burnt coolant the last time, but it wasn't concerning and I wanted to get home.

I have some coolant, so I will top off regardless.

 
Rep Power: 223

I would expect a pretty severe leak based on how bent that A/C condensor is.

 
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It's beyond me how I was able to drive home. I will go see the fluid level.

 
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I am unable to open the radiator cap as it's pushed towards the metal frame.
The frame is severely bent. I tried to spin the compressor fan by hand, and it's not going to spin since radiator is pushing against the fan.
Happy for the years she served me. haha I think she will go to salvage yard. :/

 
Rep Power: 366

just forget the fans for now. (That's why i said to open up the bumper, you seem to be in denial)
the damage seems deeper than that.

 
Rep Power: 0

I am not in denial. I am not able to remove the bumper right now. I will do that at a later time.
Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 366

then don't obsess over the fans right now. Potential puncture of radiator.
confirm first if it is working before going to fans
if you wish, check if the wiring is still connected to it
don't jump to conclusions, jumping far is for athletics Olympians, not for mechanics. assess where you are first (I am mechanical engineer, what?)