Hello

I have a 2002 Honda Accord with a Vtex engine and it has been overheating when I am idling, it always goes back down when I start moving again. I did some research about the electric fans but I have looked under the hood and have seen and heard them come on so that wasn't the issue. I just had the bottom radiator hose replaced and antifreeze added to the car but when I look it seems to be gone. I am thinking that I may need a new Radiator or thermostat but I am a female so before I take it to a shop I kinda what to know what kind of repair I would be looking at so I don't get the run around.

thanks

 

try this:

at idle, when it starts to get warm, take a garden hose and spray the front of the radiator. if temps drop to normal, then you need a new radiator.. this is assuming:
fluid level is ok, radiator cap is good, with no gasket cracks or leaks.

If i read your post correctly, you are loosing coolant? if so, you have another issue..
does your exhaust smoke?
do you see coolant dripping in a puddle under the car on the driveway?

 

My exhaust doesnt smoke but I do see puddles in my parking spot

 

It sounds like you have a coolant leak which is causing your car to overheat when you are not moving and dont have air flow to help cool the minimal amount of coolant that remains in the system.

Its very important to get it fixed before the car actually overheats, gets to the red line, and ruins your engine.

 

there are two types of coolant leaks..

external and internal.
internal= the engine is consuming coolant much like is consumes gas, and then it goes out the tailpipe, hence the white exhaust in those cases.(unburned coolant)
external=a leaking hose, a leaking radiator cap, leaking coolant to the external environment, hence the puddles on the driveway..
when the car is COLD from sitting overnight.. add coolant to the radiator, and coolant overflow, so you can drive without it getting hot..

and yes as above, get it repaired, its cheap now.. if you get HOT, it wont be..
(thousands vs hundreds).

lemme know if i can help further..

 

also make sure the radiator is't partially plugged. I've seen this on cars where they pick up a plastic bag off the street that goes in the bumper.

 

Yeah, the other users basically covered it. If/when you bring it to the shop you can expect them to say your issue is a bad hose or radiator, your looking at anywhere from a $100-$350 issue including labor. Since your exhaust isn't smoking I would not expect it to be your "head gasket" or a crack in your "cylinder head" so don't let them convince you of so without proof. I would also say that since the car is cooling down when you move it rules out the water pump as well so again, avoid letting them convince you of so. To be extra sure, if you can, find a repeatable shop and get a diagnosis and estimate then come back on here for more info and a confirmation.