How do you know if your Thermostat is bad?

[GTRON]

My car doesn't warm up while I'm driving it... I warms up pretty quickly in my driveway in park. Is that my thermostat?

[GTRON]

Anybody?

[lbus9168]

If you can't even be bothered finding out your own answers don't expect an immediate reply here.

Yes, your thermostat is bad

[GTRON]

If you can't even be bothered finding out your own answers don't expect an immediate reply here.

Yes, your thermostat is bad

I did look around, and read a number of articles. I couldn't find anyone with the same problem.

[Fleetw00d]

What position on the gage are you considering "warmed up"? When operating correctly, mine all run about 3/8 the way up the gage, 1/2 maximum. When yours is warmed up in the driveway, is it going higher than 1/2 way?

[GTRON]

What position on the gage are you considering "warmed up"? When operating correctly, mine all run about 3/8 the way up the gage, 1/2 maximum. When yours is warmed up in the driveway, is it going higher than 1/2 way?

Nope, stays at 3\8 like you said. Never seen it above 1\2

[Fleetw00d]

So where does it run when driving it?

[GTRON]

So where does it run when driving it?

Nothing, it says it's completely cold. I don't really get any heat while I'm driving.

[Fleetw00d]

So, is it really cold, or an indication problem? The gage stays at the bottom? Little or no heat from the vents if you turn the temperature all the way up? If you stop and immediately grab the upper radiator hose, is it only warm (not HOT!)? An infrared thermometer comes in handy for checking surface temperatures. If all this is true, then your thermostat is likely stuck open (or opens way too soon). It is easy enough to change. If you have a meat thermometer, suspend the old one in a pot of hot water, note at what temperature it opens to verify that it was the problem.

[GTRON]

So, is it really cold, or an indication problem? The gage stays at the bottom? Little or no heat from the vents if you turn the temperature all the way up? If you stop and immediately grab the upper radiator hose, is it only warm (not HOT!)? An infrared thermometer comes in handy for checking surface temperatures. If all this is true, then your thermostat is likely stuck open (or opens way too soon). It is easy enough to change. If you have a meat thermometer, suspend the old one in a pot of hot water, note at what temperature it opens to verify that it was the problem.

If I'm waiting at a longer stop light, the temperature gauge will go up. As soon as I start moving it goes down to cold. While I'm driving I get warm-ish air. It gets hot while I'm not moving. The engine is warm when I check it right after driving, but it gets hot quick while it's sitting. I've never heard, or seen the drivers side radiator fan turn on BTW.

Do you know of any tutorials on here about changing the thermostat?

[lbus9168]

Follow your lower radiator hose to the rear of the engine block. Rremove hose. 2x10 mm bolts on housing. Undo those. Thermostat comes out, insert new one with gasket. Do you need a picture/ diagram?

[GTRON]

Follow your lower radiator hose to the rear of the engine block. Rremove hose. 2x10 mm bolts on housing. Undo those. Thermostat comes out, insert new one with gasket. Do you need a picture/ diagram?

A picture/diagram would be great!

[sonikaccord]

How about a video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHu42SFEUMk

[GTRON]

How about a video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHu42SFEUMk

Videos work!

[Losiracer2]

if your not getting HOT heat, your thermostat is most likely bad, especially if your gauge never goes to just under halfway.

It should get to that point within 2 miles or so of driving, using 40 degree temps as an example here in AZ for instance.

Go to the Honda dealer and get one, it'll come with the gasket as well. I just bought one for my 92 LX for under 20 bucks. Don't waste your time on an aftermarket one, since you'll most likely have to buy the gasket separately which adds another 6 bucks.