Only my daily drive home I noticed a rather funny knocking noise as the rpm's would climb right before shifting (AT). Listened a bit and looked down to notice the temp was getting hotter. Being only 3-4 miles from home I limbed into the drive. I however didn't have a CEL and upon inspecting under the hood both radiator and resovior are both full. Without really digging deeper I'm baffled. Car starts right up and temp went down rather fast. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

Hopefully your engine didn't get damaged by the overheating. You might want to run a compression test to see. Check your oil level too. It's possible your fans aren't coming on. You should verify.

 

The temp gauge was staying steady at the half way mark and maybe just a little past so with just that in mind I think it's fine. I did check the oil level and it looked good. Also when I got one and turned the car off the fan did turn on. Now either I haven't noticed or it quit recently but the on one fan turns on not both. Not sure how big of a problem that may be as well.

 

Even though I don't have a CEL code I also thought about the Coolant temp sensor (CTS) not working.

 

both fans should be coming on

apply direct battery voltage to the fan not coming on to test if it works

 

I'll definitely be doing that. That wouldn't be the main problem though why it's overheating you think? Sure it's not helping though. I can't be certain ,though I've owned this car for 11 years, that the thermostat hasn't been changed.

 

Yes that could be the main problem,if the fans are not turning on you can overheat fast especially with the A/C on. Turn the A/C on and see the pass side is turning on and if both fans are turning on when it gets about half way on the Temp gauge.

 

The fans don't trip the CEL. Neither does a bad thermostat. The thermostat isn't even electronic. With the car running, turn on the AC. Both radiator fans should "blow like mad". If they don't then there is definitely a problem. You may want to watch Scotty Kilmer's YouTube video for more on "How to fix an overheating car"

 

I'll definitely check that YouTube video, thanks. That being said I'm aware the thermostat isn't electric and fans won't trip the CEL. I just mentioned that because it's been giving me a headache and wasn't sure if it coincided with the problem. This is were in at, I started the car yesterday and let it sit and run awhile. I walked out and checks everything and it was warmed up like normal. I drove it few blocks up town to the store and back maybe gone 10 mins. In that time I did crank the A/C. After getting home I left it run with A/C on and temp gauge never moved past normal and fans never came on. I did notice a little steam escaping from the radiator cap and A/C wasn't blowing any cold air at all. Once I did turn the car off however, the passenger side fan kicked on for idk maybe 15 sec and turned off. Driver fan never did turn in with or without A/C. I stopped lookin at that point though only because it's either work on the car or work on my house remodel. I don't feel like getting an ear full from the wife so house it was lol.

 

 

You may need to replace your condenser fan. My car was acting similarly but without overheating. Check the fuse for the condenser fan. The condenser fan bearings might be showing wear. The fan needs more amperage to work and blows the fuse. I know a couple other people who have 94 accords and have had the same problem. Hope that helps.