Im trying to figure out why the temperature gauge started going up all the sudden. The fan kicks in, there is coolant...could it be the thermostat? The temperature only goes up when I am idling and if I rev the car a little bit I can see the temperature go back down quickly. As soon as I start driving its back to normal until I stop and idle again. I don't really think the car is actually overheating or else I would see smoke since the sometimes it actually goes all the way H in the red but nothing happens. I just rev it or start driving and it goes back down. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

I'm having almost the same problem with my 98 DX. Mine only really does it when the AC is on though. As soon as I start to drive, the temperature falls back to normal. I have no coolant loss and the thermostat was replaced in January.

Bump for some answers for the both of us.

 

possibly a failing water pump

 

x2!
If it was a thermostat problem, your likely to have hot water shooting straight into your reservoir tank, filling it up. Your fan comes on so I dont think its the thermostat

 

A buddy of mine (JDM Dan, for what its worth) told me that its a head gasket that is on its way out. My water pump is brand new so I doubt its that.

 

Frenchy1337: Do u have coolant loss or milky substance on oil cap or white exhaust smoke?
JDMztrane: Is your gauge going all the way to H sometimes or no?

 

If I see it climbing, I try to either pull over in traffic and let it cool down some, or start driving. Yes it has hit H twice while idling.

After I start moving it drops back down to almost normal operating temp.

 

My '97 LX is doing the same ****. I'm just replacing it all, Head Gasket, Thermostat, Waterpump, Timing Belt,....ect.

 

radiator or headgasket is my bet if your water pump is new

 

looks like a blown headgasket

 

lol happened on my buddys car it didnt show signs of overheating......

he replace the harness that goes to his clauster and the tempo meter read right....

check if you are reading it right