How to Troubleshoot the Cooling System in a Honda CR-V
- 1). Examine your water pump for leakage. The water pump circulates antifreeze through the engine, heater core and radiator. A vague smell of antifreeze or spots of it under your CR-V when parked for a short duration are signs of a damaged water pump.
- 2). Check hoses for cracks, collapses, leaks or dryness. Look at upper and lower radiator hoses, heater and bypass hoses and manifold coolant hoses. The upper hoses measure some 2 inches wide and carry coolant between the radiator and engine. Cooling system problems could stem from damaged hoses.
- 3). Inspect your coolant level. Low antifreeze can cause overheating, so when your level is low, put Honda Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 in the coolant tank reservoir. This pertains to the 2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC engine.
- 4). Drain the antifreeze and flush the system to explore problems. Coolant contains a sweet smell that attracts small children and animals, so dispose of it properly. Ingesting the liquid can lead to death.
- 5). Look at your radiator cap for damage. A damaged cap could contain corrosion. Ask a mechanic to test the cap's pressure rating and operation with a pressure tester or an adapter. Replace a worn out cap quickly.
- 6). Clean up the front of your radiator. Dirt, rocks, leaves and other debris pull into the radiator fins when you drive which can lead to overheating. Get a soft nylon brush, soapy water and a yard hose to clean your radiator front.
- 7). Test your thermostat for sticking. You can pinpoint a stuck thermostat by constant low temperature readings or peaks between high and normal temperatures. Find your thermostat, the spring-loaded valve that reacts to coolant temperatures, sitting inside the housing on the engine side of the upper radiator hose.
