I have a 1995 Accord and it is currently overheating. We determined that the cooling fan quit operating. So I installed a new cooling fan, ran engine for about 15 minutes and got a normal temp gauge reading. But no fan operation, so we drove up the road about a mile and the temp gauge got up to about 3/4, so we pulled over and shut off engine....then the fan comes on for about 2 to 3 minutes. Start engine, gauge is back to normal, drive for about a mile, gauge goes back up to 3/4. Turn off engine, fan comes on again. This fan will NOT run while engine is operating, only when turned off. I am totally out of ideas. Please, any suggestions are welcome....

 

Switch or t-stat. We know the fan is good, replaced and comes on when car is shut off. If t-stat is stuck then the coolant at the switch never gets warm enough to turn on.

 

Try the below to help find the prob, sorry should have included this the first time.

http://www.techautorepairs.com/overheating.html

 

Thank you. I'm thinking new t-stat and new sensor. possibly?

 

When the engine is cold, open the radiator cap and make sure it is filled to the very top with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. If it isn't, fill up, then keep inspecting, because you may have a coolant leak. Also inspect the fins of the radiator for signs of the metal fins degrading.

I would get the thermostat from the honda dealership for less than $20. You can verify a stuck closed thermostat by touching the upper and lower hose when the engine warms up. Do it quickly, because those hoses get above the temperature of boiling water. If the lower hose is cool or slightly warm, then I would replace the thermostat.

 

It was the t-stat. Thanks for the help...