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2000 Honda Civic overheats only with AC on at idle


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nisbett
New User

Jun 21, 2012, 10:41 AM

Post #1 of 4 (3581 views)
2000 Honda Civic overheats only with AC on at idle Sign In

I have a 2000 Honda Civic. It overheats only when the AC is on and the vehicle is not moving. All other conditions, the temperature gauge is at the exact same normal spot. After coming to a stop with the AC on, in about 5 seconds the gauge will rise quickly to the top.

The first time it happened, I added a little antifreeze to the radiator (it was a little low). Since then, the water level is always fine. The radiator electric fan and the AC condensor fan are both on while idling. Are they maybe mutli-speed levels and they aren't kicking up to the higher speed when needed?

The top radiator hose is hot, so the thermostat appears to be open.

I can flush the radiator and change the thermostat. But I would expect if it is just not quite flowing enough that the temperature would be a little high for other conditions as well, and that the extra load of the AC would cause it to run a little hotter than without the AC on, rather than the extreme fluctuation.

Suggestions?


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Jun 21, 2012, 11:17 AM

Post #2 of 4 (3565 views)
Re: 2000 Honda Civic overheats only with AC on at idle Sign In


Quote
After coming to a stop with the AC on, in about 5 seconds the gauge will rise quickly to the top.

That appears to be more of a gauge/sender issue than actual overheating. Takes a little longer than 5 secs for an engine to overheat.

Be curious to see what the actual coolant temperature is at the computer or by using an inferred thermometer at the sender body.

When the electric coolant fan is running is the air blowing out hot? The upper hose will be hot on a Honda because the thermostat is on the lower hose end. The engine would likely be overheating idling and cruising speeds with a stuck closed T stat.





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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Jun 21, 2012, 11:19 AM

Post #3 of 4 (3562 views)
Re: 2000 Honda Civic overheats only with AC on at idle Sign In

Flush wouldn't hurt and don't exceed a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. See what the flush out stuff looks like. May be time for a new radiator but check as much as you can. DON'T ALLOW OVERHEATING - a tow is lot's cheaper!

T



nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
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Jun 21, 2012, 3:26 PM

Post #4 of 4 (3528 views)
Re: 2000 Honda Civic overheats only with AC on at idle Sign In

Do you live or drive in an area with a lot of dirt roads and dust? If so I've seen a good spraying through of the radiator and condensor improve things. Most likely not the case and leaning toward DS's theory but worth looking into. I work on a lot of heavy trucks and they pack dirt into everywhere. Had a Mack dumptruck overheating under load and it was packed so bad I had to pull the condensor and CAC off the radiator and clean them all individually. Put it back together and it ran perfect temps with cold AC.






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