I have changed the radiator, the heater core, the thermostat and the hoses on my 2003 RSX and the heat still doesn't stay hot when i stop my car. Can anyone tell me what the hell is the problem here? It takes a long time to get and stay hot. When i drive it gets hot fast but when i stop it gets cold just as fast. Help me please.

Billy

 

Have you bled the air of the cooling system?
Sound like you've got air in the system.

 

Heater core?

 

^ what he said. Or bad thermostat.

 

Said he replaced it.

 

Maybe the one he replaced is also bad?

 

Bleed the system, pressure test it and go from there, fans kicking on after it gets to operating temp?

 

Did you check the heater core coolant control valve?

Sometimes they stick or do not fully open. Also check the cable that controls the valve, is it sticking binding or broke. The valve is typically in the coolant hoses going to the heater core.

 

Air in the AC system? No i haven't bleed that system as of yet.

 

Well i had a mechanice change all those parts in my car. I would like to think that he checked that valve already? I have no idea my friend.

 

Heater core or heater coil...the little radiator that goes behind the dashboard...

 

When u say bleed the system, do you mean the ac system?

 

On some cars the valve is fairly easy to see and observe the lever opening and closing. Look at the heater core hoses, typicaly the valve is in series. It's also a cheap part.

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

It's part #1 below and look at the cable and lever and move the heat from full hot to full cool. You should see the lever on top move ~1/4 turn.

 

It's weird cause it only happens when i stop at a light say. Then as soon as i give gas and go it comes out hot right away. And it takes awhile for my car to warm up when i start it. I am going to take all your quotes and tell them to my mechanic tomorrow.

 

BTW, that valve is mounted on the engine side of the firewall.

 

And is it easy to see from looking from under the hood? What exactly would i be looking for to see if it's not working the proper way?

 

Yes, open the hood and look agaist the firewall (behind the engine) is where it is mounted. Besides the two heater hoses attached to the valve there is also a metal cable than controls the valve opening and closing. Have someone turn on the car and move the heater temperature control inside, look at where the end of the metal cable attached. It attached to a small lever that opens and closes the valve. There should be some movement, ~1/4 of a turn between the valve being open and closed.

 

No-- he meant the radiator fluid-- the engine's cooling system.
No-- the engine's cooling system, which runs the coolant fluid through the radiator.

When the radiator fluid is changed out on most Hondas & Acuras, the system has to be bled, or "burped," to get rid of air in the system.

On the RSX, remove the radiator and reservoir caps. Start the car and turn the heater all the way up. Let the engine run and bubble out any air (from the radiator neck) for 10-15min. until there are no air bubbles.

Try that before adjusting the heater valve.

G/L.

 

how did it turn out

 

I am going to move this to the RSX section to keep everything organized, but wanted to bump it so the re-direct from Car Talk was seen...

 

My 04 rsx also has this problem.

 

I had that problem this winter (hot when you drive and cold when you stop at the light) and it was the thermostat.
My mechanice surly bleed the cooling system after repair.

Good Luck

 

It's been over a year since OP posted here. Nice bump.