1990 Honda Accord Dx.


For the last year, I have not had any heat in my car. I tried flushing the system and even replaced the thermostat. I was told that maybe I put in a faulty thermostat. The problem is there is nothing indicating a faulty thermostat except for

1. No heat

2. Car warms up to optimal temp really fast. (car never gets dangerously hot or overheated).

HELP ME OUT GUYS. IF YOU SUGGEST SOMETHING PLEASE LINK A DIY. THANKS



*****UPDATE*******


I checked the hot water valve and cables all are working fine. It has to be my heater core. So yesterday I ripped off the entire dashboard after about 3 hours of messing around with the damn thing. For some reason the heater console would not come out of the car. I unscrewed the 4 bolts that were securing it to the firewall. Anyone have any idea how to install a heater core?

 

I'd spend some quality time with your hot water control valve.
It's mounted on the engine side of your firewall and turns on (and Off) the water flow to your heater core.
It may well have siezed in the closed position or it's operating cable has broken. Either way, no heat.

P

 

OH, I forgot to add that if I switch from a/c to heat there will be a 10 second time period that I get some warm air flowing out of the vent but then it gets cold....

 

That is normal, it takes a few seconds for the evaporator, heater core and all the duct work to cool down.

I agree with P_Adams, it is probably the "hot water control valve"... http://www.joetlc.com/heater-coolant...ag0f361gbbafv0

We... http://airwolfeautoair.com/ replace 4-5 of these a year on older Honda/Acura, and many more on other makes. 94

 

Thanks alot guys. I'll check on that tomorrow. I'm off of work for the weekend and plan on getting that heater working because it's starting to get nippy round these parts. I'll post updates on my findings...

For some reason, everyone I have explained my problem too is obsessed with the heater core. I heard they are a pain in the rear to get to. Anyone have a DIY on replacing a heater core just in case?

 

The only reason to replace the heater core is if it is leaking or plugged and although I have replaced a lot, [in the 100s] of heater cores not one of them was because it was plugged.
On most cars replacing the heater core means a dash pull, heater box pull and split, a 1-2 day operation, depending on how good you are.

Before you try that, test core for blockage, disconnect both lines to core, shove garden hose onto one core line and "flush" the core, if water comes out the other line the core is not plugged and does not need to be replaced. 94

 

Today I replaced the heater core. It was a tough SOB to do and guess what. My freakin heater is still not working. In the process of replacing the heater core I managed to mess up the cable that goes from the hot water valve into the heater console. I have no idea where to connect it. ANY PHOTOS will be appreciated.

Where do I go from here?

 

Go to www.autozone.com and register to use. Then you can see the repair guide, which has diagrams. Good luck.

 

Although this other link is regarding a 5th gen Accord, this may also help you.

http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl899g.htm

 

So to check if it's seized in the closed position I would have to open it up and check to see. Is this correct?

 

Even though you did not take my last suggestion and spent time and money replacing a heater core, [that probably did not need replacing] I will give you another one, if you can not turn the valve by hand it is seized, to confirm, bring engine up to running temp. then check temp. of hose on engine side of heater hose valve then the heater core side of valve, if temp is the colder on the heater core side of valve it is seized and needs to be replaced.

Or you can just pull the valve see if you can open and close the vave while looking through it, [is the valve opening and closing even if the valve lever is moving.

Or just keep doing what your doing, [replacing parts] eventualy you will replace the broken part, although it is an expensive way to fix things, [unless you happen to replace the broken part first].94

 

Hey sorry, by the time I had a chance to check your posting I had already begun replacing the heater core. I did however check the hot water valve and its cable. They both looked like they were in good operating order (I did not open up the valve though).


The GOOD news is that my heater IS WORKING GREAT. It was indeed the heater core that needed replacing. My only problem at this point is that in order to get the heater console out of the car I literally had to rip it from the car and in the process I ripped the cable that goes from the hot water valve into the heater console. If anyone can post a pic of where it might go I WOULD GREATLY appreciate it. I tried searching and found nothing. THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP GUYS!!!!!

 

 

Will this help.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OEM-H...Q5fAccessories it connects to the lower lever, [temperature]

If you have this control head... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/90-93...Q5fAccessories it connects to the lever controled by temp. ****. 94

 

NO, the links did not help. THANKS ALOT THOUGH FCM. anyone else have any ideas

 

make sure your cars air units blend-door is opening so that air pass over the heater core.... im not sure of this but it was the first thing that came to mind.

switch from cold to hot rapidly, you should hear a shutter noise(and even feel a little THUMP) im not sure if these cars are set up this way but you door could be stuck in a position thats not allowing air to pass that heater core....

yet again im not familiar with the air ducting in these cars, but i have encountered similar problems in the past.

-Mike