If Your Engine Overheats - Honda 1996 Prelude Owner's Manual

Your car's temperature gauge should
register in the midrange under most
conditions. It may register higher if
you are driving up a long steep hill
on a very hot day. If it illuminates the
red marker at the right end of the
gauge, you should determine the
reason.
NOTICE
Driving with the temperature gauge's
red marker lit 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 illuminating the red marker.
Or you may see steam or spray
coming from under the hood. In
either case, you should take
immediate action.
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.

If Your Engine Overheats

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 tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
4. If the temperature gauge
continues to display the red
marker, turn off the engine.
5. Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
CONTINUED