I just happen to be traveling and my car started to overheat, I shut off the a/c and turned on the heat. The oil is due for a change and correct level, the coolant res was full upon noticing it overheating. I am letting the car sit over night, the water pump was changed with the timing belt at 110k it now has 180k. It's a 00 honda civic 4dr ex. Anyone have any ideas why?

I suspect mineral build-up or corrosion in the radiator. It's not uncommon for Civic radiators to need replacing around 150,000 miles. Be sure to only use a 50/50 mixture of approved antifreeze and distilled water. The mineral content in tap and well water is way too high.

I suspect mineral build-up or corrosion in the radiator. It's not uncommon for Civic radiators to need replacing around 150,000 miles. Be sure to only use a 50/50 mixture of approved antifreeze and distilled water. The mineral content in tap and well water is way too high.


I had a chance to open the radiator and I see the radiator has discoloration like copper spots inside? Like a pinky finger nail pits at least that's how they look to me. I did get a radiator flush about one year ago from a half shop. I live in FL so that could be a possibility. I know this shop when they did my rear main seal didn't connect all the air induction properly and let the plug wire to the starter sit directly on top so that the started intermittent. Good thing I took it apart. I think they are a shady shop, they also overfilled my oil by one quart. That's why my car leaks oil, I believe I need to redo all the seals along with the timing belt. Thanks for your help TX, I appreciate it!

We checked the cooling fan working fine including relays, what about a code for the vtech? Ever hear of a Vtech Pressure switch? That's the code coming up right now? 1159?

I'm not familiar with that switch.

Coolant changed every 1.5 years, water pump changed with timing belt 3 years ago. Put 80k miles on it in 3 years. Oil changed every 2-3k, I maintain this vehicle as best I can. Its just starting to get old.

I just happen to be traveling and my car started to overheat, i shut off the a/c and turned on the heat. The oil is due for a change and correct level, the coolant res was full upon noticing it overheating. I am letting the car sit over night, the water pump was changed with the timing belt at 110k it now has 180k. its a 00 honda civic 4dr ex. Anyone have any ideas why?
Could be your thermostat, check that out, to check just take out and boil in pot of water, when gets really hot should compress the spring and open up for the flowthrough of coolant to circulate through your engins if not then change out with new one, they are cheap.

I agree with jungle.. another possibility could be the thermostat.. I prefer using an original thermostat.