it's been hot here in NJ, my radiator fan runs after i shut the car off, which isn't a problem, however..i see that only one fan runs on after shut off.
is that correct?....and the one does run seems run for 15 or so minutes after shut off.
is that ok also?.

 

the driver side is the main cooling fan and will run for a few minutes after shutdown- sometimes--
How old is your water pump and coolant- does the temp guage ever read more than half?
If its running 15 minutes you may have a temp sensor problem- located passsenger side lower rear corner of radiator
The passenger fan is the AC fan, and also comes on in extreme emergency for cooling iirc
It comes on when the ac button is pushed and the cabin fan on,- ac needs air going thru its little radiator to work- so there is a fan just for that!

 

ok.

so...im driving home last evening...and the temp gauge reached just a hash mark or two below the max...and when i turn off the A/C the temp drops down to normal.

it did this a week or two ago driving up from virginia but didn't climb as high...and as soon as i turn it off, it returned to normal.

what do you think this is?

 

Your car should never get close to the max, either you have a sensor problem or your car is overheating.

Is there steam coming from your rad over flow container?

FYI, in 110+A/C my car never gets beyond half way up the temp guage.

 

Your needle should never move from just a notch below half. Stop driving the car if its reaching hot temps like that. With the motor cool, check the fluid level in the radiator, and overflow. If low fill. If they are fine you may want to try replacing your thermostat.

 

there's no steam coming from anywhere.

i checked the radiator and overflow.
the overflow had almost nothing in it.
i filled it.
do you think a low overflow could really make it run hot?.
and where is the thermostat on this car?
is it an easy DIY?

 

Overflow shouldnt cause it. Low fluid in the radiator would. Changing the thermostat is easy. Follow the radiator hose to where it goes to the motor. (infront and below the throttle body)

 

hey Kris.
i'm gonna replace the thermostat and see what happens.
would you replace part 14?....how about 15?....13?

 

you need to fill the radiator to the very top and then pressure test it when cold
Make sure there are no leaks-- if the radiator was low as well as the bottle
Pressure test the radiator cap too

WARNING DO NOT use aftermarket thermostat- the TL is very picky about certain parts and this is one of them
Get it at the Honda dealer- thermostat and gasket--if it needs an oring and a paper gasket they will know
Make sure the surfaces are perfect smooth and clean- not scratched in cleaning- before it goes back together or leaks will occur

Check the cap to the res bottle - there is a hose that attaches inside the cap- it falls off into the bottle and the system quits working.

 

is pressure testing something i can do myself?
and i planned on using acura parts.
i will check the bottle.

 

I wouldnt replace the sensors unless they were tested bad. If the rad fan comes on its not likely any sensor. Its usually the thermostat or low fluid that causes the motor to over heat, with the occasional radiator cap that doesnt hold pressure like it should.

 

parts stores will loan you the pressure tool and give you instructions on its use.
Do not exceed the allowed pressure or you will cause a problem!
Look at all the hoses now- squeeze them when engine off- any soft spots or overall soft- you could be collapsing a hose under load.
How low is the coolant in the radiator?- engine cold- is it clean inside the radiator - can you see the shiny aluminum and clear passageways thru them if fluid is low?
Any leaks- loose clamps- green fluid on ground under car or anywhere you can see?
Trouble shoot with the eyes first~

 

The last time my gauge went that high was right about the same time I needed the water pump and timing belt replaced. Also noticed some anti-freeze leaking during that time.

 

It could also be that your second fan isn't turning on when you turn on your A/C. Check to make sure it's turning on. If it's not, it might be a sensor, relay (not sure if the TL has one for this), or worst case the fan motor might be bad.

 

i having the same problem but the needle does not go to high but i notice this happens when the A/C on and driving a short distance or just sitting the RPM revs up and down and the fan will run after the car is off when i checked the radiator its low but i cant find any leaks but a few times i will smell anti-freeze