Honda Civic getting hot?

Question

1996 Civic CX. While idling, such as in a traffic jam, if I let the engine idle the temp needle starts climbing and will keep climbing, would probably go all the way up if I let it. But if I rev it up and keep it revved for a few seconds, it will go up just a bit more, then start going back down to normal. After a few minutes, it starts the cycle again of getting hot. Any ideas of what is causing this? My first thought is thermostat, but would it really only stick at idle then release once the engine is revved?
It has a new radiator and radiator cap from a previous repair, and the fans come on as they should.

Answer 1

Yes the thermostat would do that. the pressure on the thermostat is increased at higher rpms and is helping release the sticky little booger. Put the proper temp back in if you go with a lower temp that can also cause you to over heat because the water will pass throuh the radiator too fast and not have time to transfer enough heat out the radiator....Good Luck

Answer 2

If the thermostat is stuck then the revving could cause it to open. The next thing to check would be the water pump because it may not be circulating the coolant efficiently.

Answer 3

I own a Honda Civic EX. If your car is anything like mine you have both a mechanical fan and an electric fan. At idle the electric fan is suppose to come on when the car gets too warm (or hot). When you rev your engine, it is letting the mechanical fan suck more air and cool down the car. But that's supposed to be automatic (electric fan). You'll probably see less of this during cooler weather (and more heating problem during summer).

Have your electric fan checked out. It could be anything from bad wires, relay, to burnt motor.

Good Luck.
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Answer 4

Check the fan switch make sure the fans are working on idle, check fuses