Hello, I have a 2002 Honda Civic DX 5spd. I'm having a strange issue where the car randomly overheats while being driven for over 60 miles. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it does not. When the car does overheat, the coolant is visible but the engine behaves like it does not want to go anywhere and kind stumbles. If I turn the car off, the car will not turn back on, unless it's left alone till it cools down.

I have a brand new radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan sensor, radiator cap and the issue is still randomly happening. I don't have white smoke and the car runs like new (when it's not overheating).

Another issue that I'm having that might relate to my problem is, every morning, before I turn the car on, I open the radiator cap (while the car is completely cool) and there's still pressure buildup. It kind of sound like opening a 2 liter soda bottle but with a little longs "pssssssssssssssss" sound.

Maybe I got a defective part somewhere? If so, what would be my next step? And what part should I change that regulates the radiator pressure? And how else could I troubleshoot this issue? Maybe a cracked head gasket?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

Sounds about rite for a 01-05 civic

 

C'mon, you mean to tell me all 01-05 Civics can not drive longer than 60 miles? Or the part about the high pressure radiator?
I really don't think a world wide known brand would make that many mistakes. There has to be logical explanation to my issue. How about we just focus on the high pressure in the radiator when the car is resting overnight.

Any thoughts?

 

Losing any coolant? How much and how often? Does the coolant ever come out of the reservoir next to the battery? Ever tested the coolant for the presence of exhaust gas? Ever have any intermittent heater issues where it blows lukewarm air instead of hot?

Blown head gasket is my guess. Let's hope I'm wrong.

 

I've been checking my radiator for coolant levels and every morning, after I open the radiator cap, it's the same (meaning I see radiator fluid when I look down in the radiator).
Coolant does not come out of reservoir.
I'm not sure how to test coolant presence of exhaust gas but I do not have white smoke it's clean.
Lukewarm? Sounds like a intestine parasite ha, but I'll mention that to my car mechanic.
Well, I've only had the car for a few months so I did not get a chance to use the heater and I live in Florida so it's too dang hot at the current moment to use the heater hehe.
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Chaddup. ahhaha

 

I'm gonna put all the eggs in that basket. The reason why you're hearing the "PSSSSSSSSSSS!" sound when it's cool, is because when you last drove it, the gases/fumes are escaping from the head into the colling system. This causes pressure in the system and in turn this causes inadequate cooling for the car. I had the same exact symptoms you have. mine would start sputtering an dfeel really weak and start over heating between 45-65 miles of driving. sorry buddy, but thats your problem right there.

Ps- if you're lucky, your mechanic can fix it for cheaper than the dealership would.

 

Did you completely bleed all the air bubbles out of your cooling system after replacing everything?

 

My mechanic will do the test next week so I'll certainly update this post on the result and the findings.
Thanks

 

Hey, at this point, whatever it takes to fix the issue. I need a reliable car at the current point. But thanks for the explanation, I'm giving the Honda back to the mechanic tomorrow so I'll update the post next week on the findings etc...

 

cool. when it gets fixed, if you can, would you mind summarizing the whole situation at the following link:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-2001-2005-78/01-05-civic-cooling-system-q-overheating-fans-inoperable-etc-2889523/

just briefly describe your car's symtoms followed by your findings and what you did to fix your car....
i think this would help future problematic situations that might arise with other 7th gen civic owners as this seems to be a problem that a lot of us seem to have.