Overheating issue with my 1994 Honda Accord

ANSWER : The model year 1996 transmission will work in your 1997 vehicle but not the 1995. For a 1997 Accord, you can ONLY use transmission IDs B0YA Trans.; TAG: 20021-P0Z-010. No other transmission will work and there is no work around solution because the transmission is controlled by a computer and consequently to get the incompatible transmission to function you would have to literally change the physical hardware and software. Exact interchange transmissions for your vehicle can be readily found at Car-Part.com. If you are interested in a transmission replacement, YourMechanic professionals in certain locales can assist with that. Please simply inquire based on your locale. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic.

ANSWER : Hello – this is a challenge, since you have multiple serious problems. The P1259 problem is most likely what is putting your engine into "limp mode". P1259 in a Honda is a problem with the variable valve timing mechanism of your engine. Problems with this will usually cause poor performance, and possible engine damage. However, the transmission shift malfunction issue – which may be yet another problem code not mentioned – can also cause limp-mode behavior. Your P0706 (range sensor switch – detects when you are in Park or Neutral) problem – should not allow you to even start the engine, so not a limp-mode cause. I recommend a Check Engine inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose all of your problems, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hi Tiffany: I contacted Honda with your specific question. According to Honda, the only transmission that will work properly, as designed and as intended, in your 1997 Accord is one with the EXACT same tag ID that you had originally. Consequently, the 1995 transmission will not work without RE-ENGINEERING components in the vehicle. We do not have details of the required re-engineering nor does Honda. They would literally have to assign technical staff to create a solution and instructions that you or mechanics would implement to get a non interchange part to work. The tag ID that you need appears on the 1997 transmission or it can be recreated using your VIN number. That tag ID represents the only interchange that is known to work. Installing a 1995 transmission with a different tag ID represents a custom, unique design that was not contemplated by Honda, and consequently is not supported by Honda. We repair factory built designs based on data in the Factory Service Manuals. Custom designs or newly created systems are generally outside our purview. It will be vastly less costly, less risky, and much more convenient if you install the transmission that Honda has ALREADY specified for your vehicle because by the time you redesign the car to accommodate a transmission that it was not intended for you will have to spend much more in the end than if you just simply used the Honda specified and Honda authorized part.

ANSWER : Hello – since the fuel pump replacement appeared to help "hot starting" for a short time, it is possible that there is a low voltage to the fuel pump issue. Check fuse(s) and ground connections for the fuel pump, as well as corroded plug connectors to the fuel pump if you live in the "corrosion belt" , where road salt can get into electrical connections over time. I would recommend an electrical component inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there:

The symptoms you’re describing are often an indicator that a problem exists with the alternator or charging system such as an electrical relay. Before you spend another penny trying to chase the symptoms by purchasing more parts, it’s best to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a battery does not hold a charge inspection. This service will allow them to correctly diagnose your Honda Accords issues.

ANSWER : Stop leak products will plug up cooling passageways, particularly in the radiator, and consequently OEM manufacturers such as Honda discourage use of these products. In any vehicle, if there is a "leak", of anything (oil, refrigerant, coolant, etc.) the leak has to be repaired using standard, OEM approved professional techniques and stop leak products simply do not qualify as such. In your circumstance, you have a new radiator which hopefully does not have any residue from previously applied stop leak products.

Overheating can be due to lean engine operation. That possibility can be diagnosed by YourMechanic. Trapped air in a cooling system can cause overheating, so you want to rule that out, too. Typically, there are air purge ports that are opened when refilling the cooling system. A defective radiator cap can cause overheating if the cap is unable to withstand normal system operating pressure.

If all these are ruled out, one approach you can try is use an infrared thermometer to determine the actual operating temperatures, particularly at entrance and exit of radiator and with those measurements determine whether the cooling system fan(s) are coming on at the right (factory specified) threshold. If fan operation is delayed, or the fan motor is not running at the required speed, that could be causing or contributing to the problem. There are timers, relays, and sensors involved in the cooling fan(s) systems, not to mention the condition of the fan motor and bearings.

If you want a professional to evaluate the overheating issue, and identify the causes of the problem, feel free to schedule an overheating diagnostic with a certified professional from YourMechanic.

ANSWER : It is likely your engine has a blown head-gasket, worn out water pump or somehow has a huge air bubble inside the engine that needs to be bled. The drop in engine temperature while on the freeway is actually a good sign – it indicates your radiator is getting good coolant flow, and the radiator is doing its job, transferring heat out of the engines cooling system. A YourMechanic certified technician can come to your location to perform a Car is overheating Inspection on your vehicle and help you diagnose and repair this issue.

ANSWER : If the battery is new (or has passed a load test) and charging system output has been measured and is within specifications, the only reason a battery will discharge is if the car sits for a long period of time (batteries will self-discharge even if not used) or if there are parasitic (excess) loads on any of the car’s electrical circuits. If there is excess current flow that is slowly draining the battery, a Mechanic would use an ammeter to test all of the various circuits until the faulty circuit is found. Then that circuit is traced to find the fault and repair it. If you want these steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request an electrical diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.