If you have not changed the radiator fluid in a while, then drain it and fill it with distilled water. Since you might need more work done, no need to use coolant until you figure out the problem.
If the the fluid rusty looking?
Take the radiator cap off, start the car, turn the heat to high and the fan to 3. Let the car idle for 20 minutes, top off water as needed. Get RMPs up to 2000 and hold for a minute, check water level, top off.
Fan should be running almost full time. If not then that is your problem.
Stop car, put cap back on. For next few days when cold, check fluid level. At some point in next few weeks, you need to drain again and put in coolant.
When is the last time the timing belt as changed? If has been over 70k miles, it might be the water pump. Usually those are changed at the same time the as the timing belt.
It could be the temp sensor or gauge.
This is a sign that your radiator and/or condenser cooling fans aren't working.Its caused by a defective fan relay,defective fan motor,cooling fan switch(if your vehicle has one)or the computer.The reason it doesn't overheat while moving is because airflow in front of the car passes through the radiator to cool the antifreeze down before it goes back into the engine.The cooling system is totally dependant on the fans doin this job when the car is stopped or sitting at idle
The fan itself could still be fine mechanically but a faulty sensor or relay could be keeping it from turning on when it's supposed to. I would crank the car up and let it idle and watch to see when the fan turns on in relation to the temp gauge on the dash.
The fan is working because it stays on when the car is off for a bit and i can hear it
Check and see if fan is working when hot. If not, temp. sensor to fan relay, relay, or fan itself..Try running 12V right to fan plug.
Sounds more like a clogged radiator, dirty radiator fins, or radiator fan not operating properly.
So ill be driving along and ill come to a stop and my car temp starts rising. I get home and open my hood and the hoses to the engine are hot(idk if that is normal) I changed the thermostat thinking that was the issue. Any advice would be great. 1993 Honda Accord LX
