Hi Gurus,

I have accord 95 and temperature gauge remained normal (just below middle indicator) until today. today I have changed power steering fluid and disconnected power steering return line from reservoir. started engine to take off old fluid in the line, connected the line back, and reservoir filled with new fluid. when i drove the car for few miles i noticed temperature gauge is not stable. when i stopped at traffic light or idle, temp indicator goes upper (cross middle line and starts increasing), when the car moves temp goes normal. after coming home i checked the radiator fan and its turning on frequently.

Can you please tell me what's going on or how to fix that? Please help.

 

Unless your power steering pump is causing the engine to work harder I doubt it is the reason for your car to be running a bit hot.

Try a coolant flush and do a bit of testing
Diagnosing car engine overheating and antifreeze leaks - Troubleshooting car radiator coolant loss and high temperature leaks

 

Start the car and turn on the a/c. Do both fans on the radiator turn on?

When the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap and make sure the radiator is filled with coolant.

Let us know what you find.

 

I opened radiator cap and found coolant level was very low.filled the radiator with coolant and bleed the air. it seems working fine now.
Thanks guys for your great help. you guys are life saver.
Oh, one more question. i always check and fill coolant reservoir. after some run i notices the reservoir coolant level goes low. but now a days the reservoir coolant level stays at its max when radiator is empty. whats the function of the reservoir? does the radiator takes fluid from t when it runs low or deposits steam? please shed some light.

 

It is kind of an expansion tank. As the car gets to op temp, at the proper psi the rad cap will allow some coolant to be released into the res. When the car is turned off and begins to cool the coolant can be "sucked" back into the rad.

If you are having to add coolant on a regular basis, you have a leak somewhere that needs to be addressed.