If Your Engine Overheats - Honda 1994 Accord Wagon Reference Owner's Manual

If Your Engine Overheats

The pointer of your car's
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange under most
conditions. It may go higher if you
are driving up a long steep hill on
a very hot day. If it climbs to the
red mark, you should determine
the reason.
NOTICE
Driving with the temperature
gauge pointer at the red mark can
cause serious damage to your
engine.
Your car can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant
or a mechanical problem. The
only indication may be the
temperature gauge climbing to or
above the red mark. Or you may
see steam or spray coming from
under the hood. In either case,
you should take immediate
action.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
1. Safely pull to the side of the
road. Put the transmission in
Neutral or Park and set the
parking brake. Turn off the
heating and cooling system
and all other accessories.
Turn on the hazard warning
indicators.
2. If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood,
turn off the engine.
3. If you do not see steam or
spray, leave the engine
running and watch the
temperature gauge. If the high
heat is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill on
a hot day with the A/C
running, for example), the
engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the
temperature gauge comes
down to the midpoint then
continue driving.
4. If the temperature gauge stays
at the red mark, turn off the
engine.
5. Wait until you see no more sign
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.