My 1999 3.0 CL has about 87k miles on it, and has recently (last 3 months) started to overheat while idling. I have had the thermostat and radiator cap changed and that fixed the problem for about a month each time it was fixed. This weekend, it started to overheat again. It only happens after it has idled for an extended period of time. After I start driving, the temperature drops back down to normal levels. I've exhausted my car knowledge base and thought I'd come to the CL experts. Any suggestions?

 

Hmm does your fan turn on / correct cap? having the wrong cap lbs pressure will give u a false reading on the temp. The fan not coming on can also give high temps. You can also check the coolant level in the radiator. I had that for a bit, there was a bubble in the radiator and it took maybe like 2 weeks for it to fully come out. I had to drive the car around a bit, wait, notice that the coolant when down and refill. After a bit it would just stay full.

 

I have a 99 2.3 and the exact same thing is happening to me. The only difference is that the reason mine is overheating is because I am loosing antifreeze. Everytime I am driving and the car starts to overheat I know its time to add fluid. I havent figured out the probelm yet but I think it is the waterpump. I am going to change it relatively soon and see how that goes. My car has 83,000 miles on it. Have you changed your waterpump yet?

 

I would guess it's the waterpump too. I believe Acura recommends changing it at 90k miles.

 

fan switch is an option...

Try a H2O pump, flush and then some new fluid w a bottle of Water wetter..

 

I have a 3.0 and I need a new radiator fan. I replaced my water pump with the timing belt and they change out the antifreeze with it. Maybe you should have someone look at it just to be safe. If it starts to overheat, turn on the heater to cool it down.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I think it might be that the fans are not kicking on at the right time. Last night when I got home, I left the car running and looked under the hood. The fans were not turning on, and the temperature gauge was going up. About 5 minutes after I turn the car off, one of the fans kicked on, the other did not. What do I need to tell the dealer to look at? A temperature sensor that connects to the cooling fans?