Odd '96 Accord overheating

sgman · 06-06-2009, 10:42 PM

For the past month of so I have been having a very odd problem with overheating. It only happens after driving for about 20 minutes or more.

While moving there are no problems, the needle sits right below the middle mark. The problems happen when I stop for a little at a light or something. When the RPMs drop down to idle speed the needle starts to slowly move up and will keep going until it reaches the top. To stop this all I have to do is put the car in neutral and raise the RPMs just a little bit and the needle will go back down again.

I don't know if this could be a problem with the sensor itself or if there is something wrong with the engine.

I know the fluids are all fine and everything is running great.

**octaneman** · 06-07-2009, 08:17 AM

Hi sgman

The overheating problem can be one of several things: 1) Either the radiator blower motor is not working properly. 2) the radiator cooling vanes are blocked or worn out. 3) Radiator blower motor fan relay or sensor not engaging. 4) Thermostat is sticking.

Check the radiator itself ( engine cold ignition off) by passing your hand on the vanes and see if they are worn out or blocked, if they are, the radiator vanes will be like powder in your hands, and the radiator needs to be replaced.

Check the radiator blower motor and see if it's binding, or making any abnormal noises such as shaft bearing squeals,( dried out shaft bearing) or the fan wobbles or is seizing.

Check the radiator fan relay by jumping the sensor (if accessible) and see if it engages the motor. ( Note: some blower motors are variable speed so care is needed.)

Check the thermostat with temperature probe and see if it opens at the specified temperature. Most thermostats open at 180F.

Check for water pump circulation. With engine running check the coolant flow, if you see the need to increase engine rpm considerably, then the water pump may need to be replaced.

sgman · 06-07-2009, 09:47 AM

Alright, thanks for the help. I will start checking all this stuff.

I do only have to increase the rpm just barely. Just touch the pedal with my big toe and the needle starts to drop.

06-06-2009, 10:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
sgman Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 19 OS: Windows xp pro sp.3	Odd '96 Accord overheating For the past month of so I have been having a very odd problem with overheating. It only happens after driving for about 20 minutes or more. While moving there are no problems, the needle sits right below the middle mark. The problems happen when I stop for a little at a light or something. When the RPMs drop down to idle speed the needle starts to slowly move up and will keep going until it reaches the top. To stop this all I have to do is put the car in neutral and raise the RPMs just a little bit and the needle will go back down again. I don't know if this could be a problem with the sensor itself or if there is something wrong with the engine. I know the fluids are all fine and everything is running great.

06-07-2009, 08:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 549 OS: WINXP	Re: Odd '96 Accord overheating Hi sgman The overheating problem can be one of several things: 1) Either the radiator blower motor is not working properly. 2) the radiator cooling vanes are blocked or worn out. 3) Radiator blower motor fan relay or sensor not engaging. 4) Thermostat is sticking. Check the radiator itself ( engine cold ignition off) by passing your hand on the vanes and see if they are worn out or blocked, if they are, the radiator vanes will be like powder in your hands, and the radiator needs to be replaced. Check the radiator blower motor and see if it's binding, or making any abnormal noises such as shaft bearing squeals,( dried out shaft bearing) or the fan wobbles or is seizing. Check the radiator fan relay by jumping the sensor (if accessible) and see if it engages the motor. ( Note: some blower motors are variable speed so care is needed.) Check the thermostat with temperature probe and see if it opens at the specified temperature. Most thermostats open at 180F. Check for water pump circulation. With engine running check the coolant flow, if you see the need to increase engine rpm considerably, then the water pump may need to be replaced.

06-07-2009, 09:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
sgman Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 19 OS: Windows xp pro sp.3	Re: Odd '96 Accord overheating Alright, thanks for the help. I will start checking all this stuff. I do only have to increase the rpm just barely. Just touch the pedal with my big toe and the needle starts to drop.