Last week driving in traffic my dummy light for radiator coolant low light came on, and simultaneously the gauge went from middle to high in a matter of seconds. I wondered what to do and pulled over check coolant level and this was low. The reservoir was completely empty allowed it to cool down, filled it up and had no issues two weeks later same issue happened, I’m wondering what next is waiting for me is there a pressurize test that I could do by myself or another option? Any feedback I would be more than happy to pull over and learn from thank you for any help.

 

Usually, if such problems begin, you should immediately contact a repair shop, if you do not, then you destroy the engine and buy a new one at your own expense, because one such overheating almost instantly leads to irreversible consequences in the engine. Obviously, if there is no antifreeze leak, the bottom is dry, then congratulations, you have problems with the cylinder head gasket.

 

Is the exhaust pumping out white smoke?

 

A coolant pressure tester will tell you whether the radiator or hoses are leaking.

An engine leakdown tester will tell you if the head gasket is blown and the coolant is seeping into the cylinders.

Both can be had on Amazon or eBay or a parts store.

My bet is that there's some silly hose or something leaking.

Look for blueish-whitish splotches of coolant. Does opening the hood greet you with the sugary smell of coolant?

Or have a reliable shop look at it.

 

A DENSO radiator on Rockauto is $150+ shipping.. so i choose none of the above poll options namely because you left out the brands

 

As a followup to this thread, I have seen no mention or suggestion of when is the proper time to change out the plastic (epoxy) radiator on these or any other Hondas for that matter. I used to drive a BMW 5 series (e-39) and that forum was adamant about changing out all the plastic cooling system components at about every 125K miles. Overheating a BMW is usually a death warrant for the engine. I believe BMW cooling system runs at a higher pressure than Honda.

My 2012 3.5 TL just turned 240K miles. It's running great and I intend to take it over 300k miles. Any old Honda mechanics or DIY's have any suggestions. I still take this car on long trips and don't want to get stranded or ruin the engine. Replacement doesn't look hard and as thoiboi said, Denso can be purchased for 150$ at Rockauto.

 

240K miles! I saw this and had to laugh. I just replaced the radiator in the wife's 2014 Camry V6 a few weeks back at only 44K miles. Needless to say, I am still disturbed by this.

Thanks for listening!

 

did you ever find out what your issue was ?