98 honda civic radiator problem


What causes a Honda Civic to overheat?

The most common reasons a Honda Civic is overheating are a coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat.

How do I know if my Honda Civic thermostat is bad?

Here are the signs your car thermostat is failing:

  1. The temperature gauge reads high and the engine overheats.
  2. The temperature changes erratically.
  3. The vehicle’s coolant leaks around the thermostat or under the vehicle.

What kind of coolant does a 98 Honda Civic take?

Zerex 1 Gallon Yellow Concentrate Coolant/Antifreeze.

How do I stop my Honda Civic from overheating?

Replacing the radiator can solve the Honda Civic overheating issue because a clogged radiator causes this problem by not allowing the water to flow properly. Clean the radiator and fill it with antifreeze. Keep the cap open and warm up the car to see if the water is flowing properly.

How do I know if my radiator is bad?

Four Signs You have a Bad or Failing Radiator

  1. Your vehicle is overheating. If your vehicle constantly overheats, especially under normal driving conditions, this is one of the most common signs that your radiator is bad or failing. …
  2. Your vehicle is leaking coolant. …
  3. Sludge build up in your radiator. …
  4. Low coolant levels.

How do I know if my Honda Civic has a blown head gasket?

How to identify symptoms of a blown head gasket in Honda Civics and other models

  1. Coolant levels dropping quicker than normal.
  2. Constantly needing to top up the radiator with water or coolant.
  3. Increased engine running temperature.
  4. Cloud of exhaust fumes when idling, or white smoke coming from exhaust.

What are the symptoms of a stuck open thermostat?

Thermostat stuck open: When the thermostat is stuck open, the engine temperature drops below normal when driving, especially on the highway in cold weather. A stuck-open thermostat can also cause lack of heat from the heating system. The Check Engine light may come on too.

How do I know if my thermostat or water pump is bad?

Q: How do I know if my thermostat or water pump is bad?

  1. Engine Overheating.
  2. Temperature gauge fluctuations.
  3. Coolant leaks from the front of your car.
  4. Steam coming from the front of your car.
  5. Nosey or loosen water pump pulley.
  6. Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing.

What are the symptoms of a stuck thermostat?

Checking For the Signs of a Bad Thermostat

Look to see if the coolant is swirling/flowing immediately — that means the thermostat’s stuck open. If the coolant doesn’t flow after 10 minutes or so and continues to be stagnant after the temperature gauge indicates it’s hot, the thermostat’s likely stuck closed.

How do I know if my Honda Civic water pump is bad?

What are the signs of water pump failure for a Honda?

  1. Puddles of green coolant on the ground.
  2. High-temperature readings from the water temperature gauge.
  3. A low-pitched grinding sound from the engine.
  4. Water leaks from the front of the engine.

Why would my car overheat but the heater blows cold air?

This can have a number of causes, with a faulty radiator cap being the most common. If you notice your engine is overheating, it also could be a blown head gasket, which is much more serious. Air bubbles in the cooling system can cause your heater to blow cold air, but they can do much worse if left unchecked.

Where is the thermostat located on a 1998 Honda Civic?

Follow the lower radiator hose from the bottom of the radiator to the point where the hose connects to your Civic’s engine. The hose connects to a small metal housing, which holds the thermostat inside the engine block.

What problems can a faulty thermostat cause?

Signs My Car’s Thermostat Is Going Bad or Has Failed Completely

  • Odd Temperature Gauge Readings. Your temperature gauge should register cold when you first start your car and slowly build up to normal as the engine warms up. …
  • Air Temperature Changes. …
  • Coolant Leaks. …
  • Strange Sounds. …
  • Heater Problems.

How much is a thermostat for a Honda Civic?

The average cost for a Honda Civic thermostat replacement is between $331 and $366. Labor costs are estimated between $105 and $133 while parts are priced between $226 and $233.

How do you install a thermostat on a Honda Civic?

How to Replace a Honda Civic Thermostat

  1. Raise the hood of your Civic. Pull the cover off the radiator. …
  2. Drain the coolant level until it is below the level of the thermostat housing. …
  3. Loosen the hose clamp from the thermostat housing with a screwdriver and remove the hose. …
  4. Insert the new thermostat into the housing.

What does error code P0128 mean?

Error code P0128 simply means the coolant temperature is below the ability of the thermostat to regulate. This code may not alert you to the exact nature of the problem, however, it can be an indication of several issues you should check out as soon as possible. More About Error Code P0128.

How do you check the coolant level on a Honda Civic?

Simply take a look at the side of your reservoir, and you should see markings indicating the fluid levels. As long as your Honda Civic coolant reaches the “full” marking line, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, remove the radiator cap and then add either the coolant or a 50/50 mix of coolant/water.