Why does my Civic overheat when idling?

Answer by  JCW (233)

Check your coolant for the proper level when the vehicle is cool. At idle the fan should turn on and off. If it isn't, you may have a thermostat problem.

Answer by  JR25 (34)

Overheating causes on any vehicle are limited to one of the following... Leaks/Low coolant level/Loss of pressure Inoperable cooling fan(s) Stuck/failed thermostat Broken water pump/drive belt Check for leaks & fill system, ensure cooling fans run when engine is warm/hot, ensure top radiator hose is hot to touch when engine is warm, replace thermostat(its cheap), test water pump & belts.

Answer by  Allstar (2071)

If just when idling or sitting still, and it cools down when running at speed, your radiator fans aren't running. Check the fan fuse; that's the most likely cause. It could also be a relay or a sensor, or it might be the motors.

Answer by  Mark15 (94)

This could be a couple of different things, either the thermostat is stuck open not giving the coolant enough time in the radiator to cool down, or your fan is not operating properly.

Answer by  Shelley66 (108)

It sounds like your engine fan is not starting when it's supposed to. Open the hood, start you engine, let the car run. The fan next to the radiator should come on before your temperature sensor gets into the hot zone.

Answer by  sam805236aolcom (267)

You could have a blown head gasket, cracked water pump or the simplest of all, you need to put water in the radiator.

Answer by  cooldown (18)

I'm guessing that your civic has over 150,000 miles on it. What is happening is that the water pump is getting worn out and can't pump enough coolant while the car is idling. While you are driving the rpm's are hgher.

Answer by  James916 (539)

More than likley, your cooling fans are not coming on when they are supposed to. You might neeed to replace your cooling fans, or possibly just your cooling fan relays.

Answer by  Devin98 (487)

Most likely your electric fan isn't working. When it starts to get hot open the hood and listen for the fan to see if it runs.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well, to tell you the truth, the engine may need some antifreeze and there is a good possibility the engine is burned out.

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

It sounds like you are having a problem with the coolant getting to the radiator when you are idling. You can try to top off your coolant level and if that does not work try putting a thermostat in it. You should be ok with a complete radiator flush and thermostat.

Answer by  maber (1427)

It sounds like the fan in your car is not working to circulate air while your are idling. Pop the hood and check the next time you overheat.