"DesignGuy" <dontbother@nowhere.com> wrote in
news:PH8Qd.70$tl3.28@attbi_s02:

> I believe I've got a bad thermo switch/sensor in my 1995 Honda Civic
> LX. The radiator fan does not come on when the AC is switched on
> (though the compressor fan works okay). I checked the fan relay by
> putting 12VDC across the coil and I hear a click, plus I get
> continuity across the contacts. I've bent the pins in case the socket
> connection is bad. Shorting out the contacts in the fan relay socket
> causes the fan to come on, so the fan itself is okay. That's the
> disgnostic work I've done so far.



Does the rad fan come on when the engine has been in heavy traffic for 5
minutes?

Warm it up all the way, take it to a quiet side street somewhere, and then
simulate heavy stop-and-go "inch forward" traffic for 5 minutes. If your
fan is not coming on, the temp gauge will begin to rise.


>
> Thanks to Tegger's FAQ, I've been able to locate the thermo switch,
> but I cannot figure out how to remove the connector for testing
> purposes. It's rotated in such a way that I can't see do undo the
> connector, and help here?
>
> Aside from the connector, are there any pitfalls I should know about
> when replace the thermo switch? It's fairly easy to get to, so I
> should be able to do it myself.
>
> Also would like to change the thermostat, but never having done that I
> need some assistance. First, in locating it. Then in determine what
> type it is (med temp/high temp) and removal procedure. I've read that
> on later model Honda's it's on the lower radiator hose but I can't see
> it.



The thermostat is at the TOP of the engine, where the heat goes. The lower
hose is a long, snaky thing that goes from the bottom of the rad to the
thermostat housing. Follow the hose from the rad to the other end and there
it is.

WORD OF WARNING:
DO NOT INSTALL AN AFTERMARKET THERMOSTAT. Those things are much too likely
to cause you no end of grief. An OEM (and gasket) is less than $20.

There is only one rating of OEM: 90C/194F. DO NOT install a cooler one!

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/