Rep Power: 0

2001 civic lx: my car is overheating like crazy and I'm pretty sure that it is not the waterpump or head gasket, so i'm guessing it's either the thermostat, temp. sensor, or my radiator fan. I don't think the thermostat is opening when engine temps rises to the regulated amount. or maybe its my engine temp sensor. can anyone give me any advice how to check to see if its either the thermostat or the fan? and if it turns out to be the thermostat, i'll really appreciate a set of thorough instructions on how to change a thermostat for a 2001 civic lx. thanks a lot.

 
Rep Power: 306

how long does it take until your temp sensor rises to the top? if you drive like a mile and its already at the H mark, then the temp sensor is probably messed up(the car doesnt get hot that fast). test your fan by turning on your AC, if your fan moves, then its not your fan. most of the time its gonna be your thermostat. its cheap, but get oem parts only for that. to find the thermostat, i think you have to follow the bottom radiator hose (or top maybe) until you get to the block. the thermostat should be in there...

 
Rep Power: 0

the thermostat is going to be on the top hose under the coolant neck, i know this may be a stupid question but did you check the coolant level? i wouldnt rush to blame to thermostat neccasarily usually that doesnt get stuck closed it gets stuck open because its just a piece of wax that melts and lets the coolant go through, so for it to get stuck closed sounds a little off, check the resistance of the coolant temp sensor and call honda and have them look up what the spec on the sensor should be i think it should be a few ohms im not really sure so youd have to call and find out what spec is, after youve tested that you could try throwing another thermostat at it, but i dont like throwing parts at a car, also the upper radiator hose should be getting firm and hot i dont neccasarily suggest grabbing it but it wont kill you to try, just give it a soft poke after the car has warmed up to see if you have coolant going through the hose, it wont be flowing through untill your car has reached normal operating temp, well good luck

 
Rep Power: 361

many people say that autozone will hook up a odb II scanner to see if there is a error code present to help identify the problem.

 
Rep Power: 295

Dude i had the same problem and i also thought it wasn't the head gasket and it turned out to be the head gasket.

 
Rep Power: 0

how to check:
1.coolant level
2.fan turn on when rise over the half mark(approachin overheating)?
--a.no, turn off the car and check electrical connection from line to fuse and then temp sensor. note: AC is independent source, not relating to cooling system even though it turns on when AC clutch in.
--b.turn on AC, if fan turn on, then wait to see if temp lower. if not lower go to nxt step.
--c.yes, turn off car and replace the thermostat
3.if overheatin still persist, take it to the shop.


if you see coolant dripping from the block, your water pump has gone bad and definitely take it to the shop to get it replace.

 
Rep Power: 813

Take off and check the header. I bet the holes are clogged with carbon as usual. Get a nice aftermarket one with big ports

 
Rep Power: 0

if this the case that makes the motor ovrht, honda design some retarded engines.

 
Rep Power: 0

yeah the header shouldnt make the car over heat because of carbon buildup, at least ive never heard of it in the 3 years of professional automotive experiance ive had