my 99' CRV's heater and thermostat are not working properly

[sunshine89]

It has been really cold out the last week or so, but my heater has decided to work when it wants to and not when I want it to. My engine will warm up but the thermostat will say it is cold and the heater wont work. while driving my thermostat will start to warm up, my heater will blow hot air, and it will appear to work fine. Until it just cools down again for no apparent reason and then my heater will blow cold air again. I checked my antifreeze and it is not completely full ( about half full) but I feel that is not the problem since there is still some in it. Any advice? Is it my thermostat or something else?

[Blue12EXL]

Are you talking about the overflow jug being half full and not the radiator ? My guess is its time for a thermostat .

[sunshine89]

yes, my reserve tank for the radiator is half full. I was thinking it might be the thermostat, but am not sure. how can I tell? I can replace the thermostat myself I would assume, my boyfriend said it was a cheap easy fix. I just want to know if that is the problem before buying one.

[n5926g]

Thermostat,s are inexpensive,and anyone with a basic set of Metric socket,s,and wrenches can tackle the job.
One warning however, do NOT go for a "cheapie"....Get a name brand(Stant comes to mind).
Even if this does not correct your problem,I suspect the internal spring is becoming weak due to age.You are fortunate however,as most Thermostat issues come from "stuck shut" situations causing overheating,and potential engine damage.

[umair]

When my thermostat was bad, my car took forever to warm up. Now with a new thermostat, the car warms up in two minutes. Does your car take forever to warm up, like more than ten minutes?

[Carbuff2]

All I'll add, is that it is best to go with a Honda T-stat. I've tried other brands (including Stant) with poor results.

Buy from an online Honda dealer for the best price, and don't forget, Honda t-stats come with the new sealing O-ring that you will need.




(My Bride of many years initially impressed me, because she had replaced the thermostat in her car! Love at first sight! )