I have a 1998 Honda Civic Hatchback DX and my temperature gauge fluctuates as I drive. The needle rises slowly to 3/4 from H and then back down to the the middle slowly and then back up as I drive. My radiator fans are not working either. Anyone know what could be wrong?

 

Maybe the ECT switch, [Engine Coolant Temperature switch] is not working, do not confuse it with the ECT sensor, [Engine Coolant Temperature sensor] the switch controls the rad fan relay and the sensor controls the engine temp. gauge.

Check the rad fan fuse, fuse 57 - 20A, [ho at all times] in engine bay fuse box.
Unplug the ECT switch and use a jumper to connect the black and green lead, turn ign. switch to run, if rad fan works, replace ECT switch if not....

Check rad fan relay, in engine bay fuse box.

Check for power to the rad fan relay, one large terminal should be hot at all times.
Use a jumper to connect the two large terminals, does rad fan turn on, if not...

Check rad fan motor, use jumper to supply 12V directly to rad fan, [blue lead], black lead is ground. 94

 

I had a similar issue in my 89 CRX where the needle would randomly peg at the top. I'd say it displayed the actual temperature around half the time. Thought it might be the sensor or the wiring, turned out the cluster itself was faulty as it works fine after I replaced it.

fcm: I'm from kelowna too. Small world.

 

It is a small world, your the only other H/T member from Kelowna I have "seen", a bunch from B.C. but not here in the Okanagan. 94

 

thermostat maybe

 

The fans are working now. One of my friends helped me diagnose and fix them. We are assuming the cluster has just gone bad so I will buy another one in the future. Thanks for the help.

 

Usually when your temp gauge fluctuates there could be air bubbles in your coolant system. Had it happen before check for leaks if possible