My bro has a 1993 Integra. Sometimes the check engine light comes on and the car switches into safe mode. The temp gauge says its overheating, but it isn't. We checked the thermostat, changed the coolant temp sensor and drained and refilled the coolant. Does anyone know whats wrong with it?

 

please explain how is it switching to safe mode what does it do?

also - if the temperature gauge says it's overheating - how do you know it's not overheating? [&:]

when check engine comes on - please visit local autozone store and read the code - please post the code here - we will start from there.

 

It is flashing code 6 &7. When it switches to safe mode the check engine light comes on and the power drops significantly. The coolant is only warm when the gauge says its hot. Even on days with temps in the 50's it says its too hot.

 

i see -

well i'll have to check the codes for you

the temperature gauge shows engine temperature not the coolant. My wild guess will be thermosta / water pump not operating properly if the coolant is not hot.

how did you check thermostat? also did you install new one or you looked at it and put it back?

 

We only checked to see if the coolant was getting to the radiator. I am young and don't know how to check the thermostat. We used the old one due to a lack of funds. How do you check a thermostat, and how much will one cost?

 

ummm I'm not sure you wanna do that at home especially if you're young. To test a termostat you have to boil water till the temperature at which termostat opens and put it into the water. If It opens up it is good if not it's bad.

the other way (which i dont really like) put the temperature dial to hot and blower motor to high speed and see if you're geting any heat. If theres heat it is probably OK -

The new thermostat and gasket should be around 15-20$ in local autoparts store.

There is a special way to put the thermostat in - not many people know it but there's a marking how to put it in.

But before even thinking about changing thermostat theres other things that you have to check -

a leak in th system , bad radiator and/or clogged water passage, Coolant system compression.