i just purchased this car and the previous owner claims he replaced the thermostat.
its freezing outside, however the car is running hot; temp is fluctuating from mid to high heat as i drive, then overheats when i stop, even though the fan is on after i turn off engine.

i am guessing that the coolant isnt circulating.
what is the procedure for determining this?
is there a check list to figure out the problem when a car overheats?

thanks in advance!

 

Does the cooling fan run when the temp gauge is about 1/2 way? Engine Running??
You can feel the top and bottom radiator hoses to confirm coolant flow.

 

i will check today when i get it to operating temp.
should BOTH fans come on?

 

the most simple thing to do is start with the thermostat, and the least expensive. how long has it been since it had timing belt service?

 

i tried to remove the timing belt cover to inspect it but couldnt get one of the two bolts out.
is there a trick to it?
couldnt get access...

ran the car today after bleeding and filling the sysytem; the temp gauge never reached the 1/2 way mark...

 

if that be the case then it sounds like you just had a lack of coolant and needed to get the air out

 

Yeah, Hondas generally don't like to have air pockets in the cooling system.

 

thanks everyone for the input!

upon further inspection, i have found that the rubber gasket around my radiator cap is shot.
hopefully that will account for the leaking/low coolant level, i can get a new one, refill and bleed again!

what a best case scenario this would be...as my mind was racing towards the worst case (HG)!
thanks again!

 

Also check the following...

There's TWO seating surfaces in the radiator neck where the cap has to seal. Check both for nicks & gouges.

Check the hose to the reservoir bottle. Leaks in that can cause the radiator cap to suck air back in when it cools down.

 

will do!
i also filled my reservoir bottle to to the max line; it was completely empty...