Rep Power: 0

A couple of days ago I had my thermostat changed and the next day it started overheating again so I assumed it was a faulty thermostat, so again I changed it again. After changing it again I drove it a couple blocks and started again. I turned off the car to check it and now it won't start. It clicks but does not switch over. Also with my overheating, the car will blow out cold air even if the car is warmed up for a good 10 driving then it'd turn to heat (sometimes it'd go back and forth blowing cold and hot air) and it'd start overheating shortly after. Any ideas?


I have a 2002 Honda Civic ex

 
Rep Power: 512

Did you properly fill and bleed the coolant system? The cold-then-hot air thing suggests you have air bubbles

Any evidence of coolant leakage otherwise?

 
Rep Power: 0

No, didn’t know i had to do that. And no didn’t see anything else of coolant leakage. When i had the T Stat changed the first time and i went to replace it again, i saw coolant sorta like sitting where the thermostat was.

 
Rep Power: 518

Fill radiator to the top
Leave cap off
Have someone crank it while you watch

Did the coolant come up out of the radiator like a geyser?

 
Rep Power: 512

yep, gotta bleed the system. It's technically a closed system (exception being when pressure builds up too much and coolant enters the overflow tank), so when you open said system, you're introducing air. Air in that system isn't a good thing, as it impedes heat transfer.

When you follow ezone's instructions, leave the car running (heater full blast) and refill your radiator as necessary. Once the bubbles stop for a good long time, recap and shut 'er down. Might take 15 minutes or so. Best to do it with the nose of your car elevated (e.g. pulled into a driveway)