982.5TL

Hey everyone.
Every now and then, my temp guage spikes to H for a few seconds then goes back down to normal temperature. It seems to happen when Im at a stop light for too long or when i let the car idle in neutral for a while. I made sure to check my radiator fluid in the overflow tank so thats not a problem, but i havent done a radiator or coolant flush cause that'll happen at my 75k service. Any ideas as to the cause and maybe a simple solution? I just got my 60k done but forgot to ask them to check that shit out.

Boarder.97.TL

Just an idea, but does your fan come on like other hondas, where it will run often when the car is shut off for a while? my fan seems to come on (I think i have an aftermarket fan in my car, its really loud) if my temp gets just over half...

spooky3ce

About the fan coming on... click here...

About your temp guage going to hot... either:

1. You need some coolant in your radiator/resavoir... remember the commercial... "Big Yellow is Taking over!!!"

2. Sensor might be going... about that though... I'm not familiar with the sensors...

982.5TL

The fan comes on after the car is off to cool the engine like normal, and when im driving at normal speeds or even highway driving it really doesnt move unless i really floor it, even then its a relatively rare occurnace at normal driving. It just seems to move up to H when idleing or staying in one place for too long. My dad was telling me that it may be one of my sensors. Thanks for the help fellas. Keep the ideas commin!

Ken1997TL

Could be either the sensor or you need a coolant flush. I'd get the flush first (since you need it anyway)

I had the same issue for about a week, got a coolant flush and it went back to normal.

You'll also probably experience issues with your A/C and heater until you get it fixed.

Acurasnake

you might need to replace your thermostat!

i had the same problem! I replaced mine and did a coolant flush

everything was back to normal.

jerseydriver

hopefully you didnt blow a headgasket

then your in for some $$$$

if the car goes to H ---- shut it off immediately. you will cause more damage the longer it runs hot. heat kills engines. especially aluminum ones.

ShopLifter

my temp goes to H (actually right below but close to it). had the thermostat changed and it still spikes up. whenever i see it goes up, i turn on the A/C to full auto and it comes down. i think i need to get it checked out again. the temp never goes up whenever i'm driving at a constent 75-80mph.. but when i drive BELOW 65mph (traffic) the temp goes up slowly..

WolfpackBill

Like what others said, definitely get your coolant system flushed. Replace the t-stat while at it because a good t-stat costs only $6 (at least for a Stant brand for my Explorer). I have instructions for the replacement if you need it.

982.5TL

Thanks for the help fellas. Ill get the thermostat replaced and do a coolant flush. Ive got the service manual for the ride, but thanks for the heads up Wolf.

jerseydriver

get a lower degree thermostat

maybe that will help you out before you go crazy troubleshooting.

WolfpackBill

Since these engines are computer controlled, I don't think a lower temp t-stat will do anything positive. I know for my Explorer, if I use a lower temp t-stat, the computer will think the engine is cold and as a result, the computer will push more gas into the engine, which will lower your gas mileage and more wear without benefiting anything. Now, if you add a performance chip in there that may require a lower t-stat, then it's fine because the engine will burn all the fuel.