If Your Engine Overheats - Honda 1995 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual

6. Look for any obvious
coolant leaks, such as a split
radiator hose. Everything is
still extremely hot, so use
caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Towing
on page 162).
7. If you don't find an obvious
leak, check the coolant level
in the radiator reserve tank
(see page 79). If the level is
below the MIN mark, add
coolant to halfway between
the MIN and MAX marks.
8. If you see no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also
have to add coolant to the
radiator.
Let the engine cool down
until the pointer reaches the
middle of the temperature
gauge, or lower, before
checking the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
9. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pushing down, to the first
stop. This releases any
remaining pressure in the
cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down
on the cap, and turn it until it
comes off.
10. Start the engine and set the
heater control lever to

If Your Engine Overheats

maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the
fill neck. If you do not have
the proper coolant mixture
available, you can add plain
water. Remember to have the
cooling system drained and
refilled with the proper
mixture as soon as you can.
11. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and
watch the temperature
gauge. If it goes back to the
red mark, the engine needs
repair. (See Towing on
page 162.)
12. If the temperature stays
normal, check the coolant
level in the radiator reserve
tank. If it has gone down, add
coolant to the MAX mark. Put
the cap back on tightly.
Taking Care of the Unexpected