Good evening all -

My 2003 Honda Civic (117k miles) is over heating when idle or in stop and go traffic. Once I’m traveling at a decent speed (35+ mph) I have no issues. So far I have:
- checked the fuses for the fans (the radiator fan is working, as far as I can tell the AC condenser fan is not)
I tried disconnecting the switch and putting a paper clip in the switch and still had no luck. Does this mean it is the AC condenser fan? If so what can I do to figure out what is going on there?
I figured when I turned on the car and AC that fan was supposed to be turned on and it didn’t so I am not sure if that means that is 100% the issue. I (stupidly) took of the radiator cap when I got home and coolant began splashing out of the reservoir, not sure if that’s telling in any way either.

Feel free to ask questions and I will troubleshoot based on what you all say as well. Thanks in advance.

 

I have the same issue. Another forum clearly advised to first change the thermostat and do a full refil and burp of the system. And get an OEM radiator cap. This may or may not fix it. It did not fix mine.

I drove it and about 15 miles in I stoppped To inspect and coolant was percolating out of the reservoir, a sure sign of a blown head gasket. This is common on this 7th generation.

Mine never actually overheated according to the gauge, which is inaccurate anyway. These cars should never overheat so try the thermostat first. Drive locally in circles and try to get it to overheat. Check to see if coolant comes out the reservoir… see what happens.