Hello, I have a noob question for Civic experts...

My 98 Honda Civic EX was overheating but before I could stop to let it cool off and check the radiator the engine shut down while driving. I pulled to the side of the road and after a few minutes I turned the key and the car turned on.

Does the vehicle have some sort of protection system to prevent it from burning out???

After cooling checking the radiator I found it is cracked from the top and need a replacement.

Thanks in advance for your reply!

 

Does the car still start each time? if it is, then don't bother worrying about it.

 

It does, the radiator fan does not though. I guess that will go back to normal when I manage to get the radiator fixed.

Thanks!

 

There isn't a protection system. They allow it to run until the engine possibly burns out, because having a car shut down on the freeway strictly to protect the engine could be dangerous to the people inside.

 

You can test the fan if you would like. Google it and it will show you how. Jumping the fan connector located on the thermostat housing.

If you are replacing the radiator because it was old, it might be a good idea to replace your thermostat and hoses, too.