'99 CR-V Temperature Gauge Normal on Idle, Way Low at higher Speeds

Discussion in 'CR-V' started by mark, Feb 12, 2008.

  1. mark

    mark Guest

    I have a '99 Honda CR-V EX. It's been a great vehicle for us but today
    I noticed a problem with it (My wife usually drives this vehicle so
    it's possible it's been happening for a while, I don't know):

    When driving at low speeds (ie, < 35mpg?) the temp sensor is right at
    the normal, middle position reading.

    When at idle, it is slightly (very slightly) higher than normal. So
    small a difference that by itself I wouldn't be concerned.

    When at higher speeds (> 35mpg), the temperature gauge drops rapidly
    down to the C (cold marking, ie, the lowest point).

    When acceleration ends like coming to a stop light, the temp reading
    goes back up.

    I immediately took the car to get the oil changed and the coolant
    flushed and filled. Still happening.

    I did some searching on the internet and couldn't find anything other
    than vague references to the following possible causes:

    water pump bad
    thermostat
    a temp sensor
    a blown head gasket (oh I hope not!)

    Any ideas? I plan on dropping it off at the dealership tomorrow. It's
    not under warranty.
     
    mark, Feb 12, 2008
    #1
  2. mark

    motsco_ Guest

    ==========================

    Have you made sure the coolant reservoir is filled to the MAX mark, per
    the owner's manual? If not, AIR could be the culprit, preventing the
    sensors from registering properly. It takes at least two or three
    'trips' to expel air. The engine has to go from hot to cold to allow
    coolant to replace the displaced air.

    I guess you can pay the dealer for something you can do yourself . . .

    'Curly'
     
    motsco_, Feb 14, 2008
    #2
  3. mark

    mark Guest

    Well, it turned out to bea bad radiator and also a bad hose that
    connects to it. The dealer service manager said it looked like a rock
    went through the radiator, and the hose was leaking. $500 down the
    drain for the radiator/hose w/labor. Plus I wasted $80 getting the
    radiator flushed/filled the other day, thinking that would fix it. Oh
    well.
     
    mark, Feb 15, 2008
    #3
  4. mark

    jim beam Guest

    go and get your money back. something so obvious should have been
    spotted and they should have advised you to replace, not charged you anyway.
     
    jim beam, Feb 15, 2008
    #4
  5. mark

    mark Guest

    If it were real mechanics who did the flush/fill I would, but
    unfortunately I took it to jiffy lube. I usually never go to those
    clowns but it was snowing out and I figured it needed the flush/fill
    anyways and there might be a chance that it would fix the problems.

    It cost me $500 total for the new radiator and labor at the Honda
    dealership.
     
    mark, Feb 16, 2008
    #5
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