My car will overheat at low speeds unless I have the AC on.

I have replaced the coolant temperature sensor and all relays without success.

This leads me to believe it is a wiring issue but I cannot find good info on how to diagnose and replace. I feel confident I could replace the connector to the ETC but without help I can't imagine replacing the wire past a few inches without help.

Any recommendations / help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Do you have a V6 or 4-cylinder engine?

When the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap and check that the coolant is filled to the top. Add coolant to the radiator if needed to fill to the top.

When the temperature rises on the thermostat at idle, let us know which fan(s) are turning on without the a/c turned on.

 

Thanks for the response!

I have the V6. When I turn on the AC both fans turn on. It’s allowed me to drive the car in traffic.

- cocogrove

 

Neither fan comes on without the AC running. I will double check coolant levels & burp the system.

When I checked last month it was full when cold.

 

Your accord has an engine coolant temperature sensor 2 that is screwed into the radiator. Was that the sensor you replaced?

 

I replaced the coolant temp sensor near the engine block. I have not been able to find any other sensor.

Is there a diagram/ photo/ video that shows the location of the senor on the radiator?

Thanks again, PA

 

Should be on the driver's side of the radiator on the bottom. Part number should be 37870-RTA-005. Go to a site like hondapartsnow.com and enter your vehicle info in. The part is under electrical/exhaust/... section then radiator. That wiring is exposed to the bottom of the car, so take a look at the wiring/connector to that sensor and look for obvious damage or corrosion in the connector before just replacing the sensor.