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Hi guys and gals I am in need of some serious assistance, I am having issues with my 98 accord LX sedan V6 cooling system, Recently had the dealership replace my chipped key ignition and about a week later started having issues with the cooling system, symptoms consist of temp gauge fluctuates between half way point and a little below H line , will go up to 3/4 on meter slowly then drop back down to mid point when it’s been started from cold and running about 20 min, once I start driving it raises to 3/4 and fluctuates between 3/4 and just below H line and the radiator fans don’t turn on. ( I believe the V6 runs both fans - condenser and radiator - for cool down?) when I let off the gas and start to cruise on idle let’s say driving at 60 mph idle down to 50 the gauge goes to 3/4 once I accelerate it goes up to just below H line. I have replaced the Thermostat and the Fan switch A sensor located on the thermostat housing, I also replaced the coolant sensor located above top radiator house as well, also I have tested the driver side fan and it runs when hooking ground to terminal A and power to B on the connector. I pretty much made a toggle on /off to it for now but gauge still fluctuates. I cant turn on A/c right now because my dash control lights went out and wont change the air flow or the temp but blower works fine as Its stuck on high heat/ defrost setting. that was my next fix until the cooling system started acting up. when I park and check the car it shows no signs of overheating, no hot metal sounds or boil over from radiator also, so I’m stuck here, its my understanding the water pump should be working if my heater works. so now I’m lost…. any suggestions? also checked fuses and relays they seem to be testing fine. .. please help me keep my baby going. I have kept my car in the best condition everything from drive shafts, suspension, breaks and cylinders , routine oil changes and maintenance done , is kept polished and waxed year round and kept clean. has 370,000 miles but until this issue has and still runs like a top but this issue could change that :( , also oil not discolored and exhaust doesn’t have a hint of sweet smell or taste to it. UPDATE**** ok so I went and had my codes pulled and this is what I got….. P1041 HO2S B1 S2 HEATER CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION WAS ONE CODE. SECOND CODE IS P1491 EGR VALVE LIFT INSUFFICIENT DETECTION……. would these cause my issue?
For anyone having this issue after reviewing the wiring diagrams for my car I noticed a similarity to all my issues, the fans, EGR valve code , o2 sensor code and my climate control issue are all tied into the same circuit by ground, if you go by the manual it will tell you to check fuses in dash on driver side fuse/relay box and under hood fuse/relay box… but it doesn’t tell you that the ECT, HOS2 S2 sensor , EGR and control climate circuit also runs through the fuse panel behind kick panel on passenger side as well… I had a very weak ground that tied that circuit in.
The first 2 problems that come to mind are either a failing water pump or failing thermostat. Have you noticed any coolant on the ground after the car has been there running? That would be indicative of a failing water pump.
No sign of water on the ground or around the block after running. Just replaced the thermostat today as well. Is there a way to test the water pump without removing the timing belt?
